asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that this year a considerable amount of potatoes, corn and hay was lost owing to the flooding of the River Moy; and that this flooding could be remedied by the blasting of a bed of rock at Mountfalcon, Ballina, which would lower the level of the river four to six feet, and thereby drain acres of land and save a lot of necessary food; and, if so, if he will take steps to have this work carried out without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding of River Moy.
The question of the possible benefits that might result from the removal of the rock shoal referred to by the Deputy was investigated by the Commissioners of Public Works, and I am advised that no substantial improvement in conditions in the River Moy area could be effected except by the execution of a large scale arterial drainage scheme.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the farmers are discouraged by losses year after year due to the flooding of this particular area, and would it not be possible for him, pending the coming into being of the arterial drainage scheme, to apply some remedy, thereby encouraging the farmers to increase food production and also giving them a safeguard that their labour will not be in vain and that their crops will not be swept away by the flood, which, I am sure, the Parliamentary Secretary is fully aware of?
I can only say that this area has been inspected as a result of petitions received under the 1925 Drainage Act and we have been advised by the engineers who have examined the place, as I have informed the Deputy. It is not possible to deal in a piecemeal fashion with such problems as arise in this and other areas.