I ask the leave of the Dáil to introduce the Arterial Drainage Bill, 1925. I do not think its introduction will be in any sense controversial. Most Deputies know that at present there is practically no power to deal with any new drainage districts. We have no power to deal with flooding in the case of rivers that have not been constituted already into drainage districts. The present Acts were framed to suit different times and circumstances and they are now altogether antiquated, with the result that it is a practical impossibility for owners or a Government Department to create a new drainage district. If this Bill is passed, with the Drainage Maintenance Act of last year, we hope that the drainage legislation will be brought up-to-date. I beg to move that leave be granted to introduce this Bill.
ARTERIAL DRAINAGE BILL, 1925—FIRST STAGE.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read a First time. Second Stage ordered for Tuesday, 12th May.