asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what is the position regarding the Lough Gara drainage scheme; when it is intended to submit it to the people concerned, and if the inclusion of the Lung River and its district after the percentage contribution of the two county councils concerned was determined is responsible for the delay or has added confusion to the original scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lough Gara Drainage Scheme.
In view of representations made to the Commissioners of Public Works for the inclusion of the Lung River, Counties Sligo and Roscommon, in the proposed drainage scheme for the Boyle River (Lough Gara) a detailed survey of the former river is being carried out by one of the board's engineers. Until his report has been received and considered, it will not be possible to state when a decision on the comprehensive scheme will be arrived at.
While noting that it is not possible to give a definite answer until the report is received, will the Parliamentary Secretary mention an approximate date when it is likely the matter can be brought before the voters of the area who ordinarily would be called upon to vote as to whether they want the schemes or not.
No. The indication at present is that the Lung River will be included, as it will increase the economy of the scheme and make the scheme itself more desirable. In a month or so, we shall probably be in a position to state definitely whether the Lung River ought to be included or not but there will have to be a survey after that. We are attempting to do a great deal more drainage work than we have technical staff to do. It is a question of pressing the staff and finding new means of recruiting staff to enable us to do the work we want to do. Every effort is being made to expedite the matter.