asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the farmers in the County Longford whose lands adjoin the River Camlin have suffered severe losses for the past three years owing to the condition of that river; that a memorial on the question was submitted by certain Deputies from the constituency two years ago; and if he can give an assurance that the work will be undertaken within the next few months as this time of year is the most suitable for it and great loss will be avoided if the work is completed before the winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding in County Longford.
A petition under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, in respect of the Camlin River was received from the Longford County Council in November, 1935. The further memorial referred to by the Deputy was received in July, 1936. Petitions for drainage schemes are dealt with by the Commissioners of Public Works in the order of priority, and it has not yet been found possible to arrange for an engineering examination of this proposal. In view of the decision to set up a drainage commission to investigate the whole question of arterial drainage in the country, the further investigation of petitions for drainage schemes under the 1925 Act has been deferred pending the findings of that body. Consequently no progress can at present be made with the Camlin River petition
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that the board that was working that particular river has collapsed, and is he aware that the Office of Public Works has some statutory authority to compel them to work, but that the farmers are still suffering because of the inactivity of (a) the local board, and (b) the Board of Works?
I am afraid I cannot subscribe to the latter affirmation of the Deputy. It would seem to me that, if there has been any delay in this matter, it has been very largely due to the people who are locally interested. As to the question of whether or not the board has collapsed I have no information in that regard before me now.
Has not the Board of Works a statutory authority to compel a local authority to proceed, or to resurrect a board that has become defunct, under the Arterial Drainage Act? Owing, Sir, to the unsatisfactory reply, I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment.