asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the considerable damage done annually by the flooding of the River Inny, particularly in the lower reaches; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes to take with a view to having a proper drainage scheme carried out.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding in River Inny.
The Commissioners of Public Works have had the whole question of the drainage of the River Inny and its tributaries under consideration, and a preliminary general examination of the river basin was made by an engineer and a land valuer. The results showed that the mere restoration of the existing Inny River drainage district or the Upper Inny drainage district without substantial improvements would not afford much practical benefit and that the best method of dealing with the matter would be to formulate, under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, a comprehensive scheme which would include the existing Upper and Lower Inny draínage districts and some areas for which petitions under that Act had been received. These views were communicated on the 17th July, 1928, to the County Councils of Cavan, Longford, Meath and Westmeath, who were asked to arrange for the presentation of the requisite petitions in respect of the affected areas in those counties so as to enable the machinery of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, to be put in motion in connection with them. So far, the required petitions have not been received by the Commissioners.
Did I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to say that the County Councils of Meath and Westmeath were requested to lodge the petitions? I did not hear his reply very clearly.
Mr. Bourke
Petitions must be received from the four counties— Cavan, Longford, Meath and Westmeath.