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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Jun 1928

Vol. 24 No. 5

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DRAINAGE WORK IN CO. DONEGAL.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he can state why the carrying out of the work of drainage of Portsalon and Duntinney Rivers, County Donegal, under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, is not being proceeded with.

The Commissioners of Public Works are in communication with the Donegal County Council relative to the making of a free grant towards the cost of this scheme. Until the County Council agree to make the necessary contribution, the Commissioners will not be in a position to prepare a detailed drainage scheme for submission to the votes of the occupiers of affected lands. Further, unless a majority of the occupiers vote in favour of the scheme, the scheme cannot be confirmed by the Minister for Finance. The Commissioners cannot of course proceed to carry out the works until the scheme is confirmed.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Donegal County Council have carried out their part of the agreement? They were asked if they would contribute 16?. per cent. towards the total cost of the carrying out of this drainage scheme, and they have agreed to do so. The people concerned are under the impression that the Government is going to carry out the scheme, now that the County Council have complied with the necessary requirements.

Mr. BOURKE

I am aware of that fact. The scheme was re-surveyed, and as a result of that re-survey it was found that it would cost more than was originally anticipated. The result of that is that a grant of 22? per cent. would be required from the County Council. We have written to the County Council asking them if they would be agreeable to that. If the reply from the County Council is in the affirmative, then the scheme will go ahead.

Does not this look as if the Government is now throwing the onus on the County Council after they had complied with their part of the requirements, and that the Government is refusing to carry out their part of the agreement? This, I think, is the first scheme that the Donegal County Council agreed to carry out in the county under the Arterial Drainage Act of 1925, and does it not now look as if the Government want to shirk their part?

Mr. BOURKE

No blame attaches to the County Council at all. I am not alleging that.

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