I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together. The stretch of the River Bonet between Dromahair and Lough Gill was excluded from the Bonet catchment drainage scheme for practical and economic reasons. The channel immediately downstream of Dromahair (the Lower Bonet) has a very steep gradient levelling out as it nears the lake. These lower reaches of the channel comprising two-thirds of its length are greatly influenced by lake levels which would to a large extent negate the effects of any drainage works. Drainage work upstream of Dromahair has had a negligible effect on water levels in the lake. The bed of the river is largely composed of rock which would render prohibitive the cost of any works which might be considered.
With regard to the suggestion that drainage upstream has changed the pattern of water flows, the Commissioners of Public works have had a number of surveys of the area carried out during the course of scheme works and the results of these show that the drainage scheme has not caused any deterioration of the position. Any flooding which occurs is of shorter duration through marginally more extensive than existed pre-drainage and the commissioners are satisfied with the capacity of the river to cater for post-drainage flows. The commissioners will, of course keep the position under review.