asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the serious flooding existing in the townlands of Toorbuck Mace North, and Cushin, Westport, County Mayo, due to the state of the Cushin River; and if he will take steps to have some relief given to the area concerned at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding in Mayo.
Representations were previously made to me on the matter mentioned by the Deputy. The unemployment position in the area in which the proposed drainage works fall would not warrant a grant from employment schemes moneys, but I have caused the beneficiaries to be informed that, if they make application under the new rural improvements scheme, which requires a contribution from the beneficiaries, it will be duly considered. I should say that drainage works cannot generally be carried out economically except in the summer months, during which period, owing to the requirements of tillage and turf production, workers may not be available.