asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the serious loss and damage occasioned to farmers and local authorities by the continually flooding of the Awbeg River from Buttevant to Liscarroll, and whether the Board of Works can take any action to improve the drainage of the district.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FLOODING OF THE AWBEG RIVER.
A scheme which would effectively and permanently relieve the flooding on the Awbeg River would probably involve a very heavy expenditure. There is no existing drainage district on the river, and there is, therefore, no power to carry out works of relief except by designing and carrying out a new scheme of arterial drainage. Under the existing law such a scheme can only be carried out on the initiative and at the expense of the owners of land damaged by floods. It has been decided to introduce legislation to provide new machinery for the carrying out of drainage works.
Will the Minister say when that is likely to be introduced?
I could not say when, but I will have the Bill in shape within a comparatively short period.