asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that heavy expenditure has been incurred in the preparation of a number of drainage schemes in Westmeath, and if he will state what is the present position regarding them, and if he will consider allocating grants from funds at his disposal to enable those very necessary reproductive works to be carried out.
Written Answers. - Westmeath Drainage Schemes.
A sum of about £1,000 has been spent on the investigation of the petitions under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, received by the Commissioners of Public Works from Co. Westmeath.
I have to refer the Deputy to a reply given to him on the 24th June, 1931, which showed that no scheme was proceeding in Co. Westmeath mainly because the occupiers of affected land and the County Council refused to cooperate in the proposals submitted to them. The position is unchanged since then but I am sending the Deputy a statement showing the present position regarding each petition received.
The Government has already offered free grants in aid of feasible schemes in the County but the occupiers and County Council have so far declined to agree to the necessary contribution to render the schemes economic.