asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that owing to the existence of the present agricultural depression farmers find that drainage charges are pressing with great severity upon them, and further, if he will take steps to have these charges reduced by legislation, free grant or otherwise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Charges.
The charges on drainage ratepayers are imposed to meet two obligations, viz.: (1) the repayment of capital advances towards the cost of the works, and (2) the maintenance of the districts. The present policy of the Government is to undertake works in drainage districts only when free grants are forthcoming from Government and local authorities sufficient to ensure that the annual burden (for repayment or maintenance) on the rated occupiers does not exceed the annual benefit conferred by the works. The provision of free grants from State funds is on a generous scale and it is not proposed to increase it.