asked the Minister for Finance whether he will state how far progress has been made by the Commissioners of Public Works in regard to making the preliminary arrangements for starting work on the River Erkina drainage scheme, Leix, following the report of their inspector who held the recent inquiry into the "objections" against the scheme; and whether he will take the necessary steps to expedite this matter, particularly in view of the large and increasing number of unemployed persons in that area, who are anxious to secure work under this scheme, and many of whom will otherwise have to receive relief.
Written Answers. - River Erkina Drainage Scheme.
The Commissioners of Public Works have under consideration their investigator's report on the public inquiry in respect of objections to the Erkina River drainage scheme, but no definite decision has yet been arrived at as to whether the scheme should proceed. In any event, actual drainage works would not be begun until about the end of next spring, since, owing to their nature, such works could not be economically undertaken during the winter months.