asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that very considerable areas in the Barrow districts were recently flooded to a very serious extent; and, if so, if he will ascertain whether maintenance work had been carried out in those districts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Barrow Flooding.
Whilst I have no information as regards recent flooding in the Barrow drainage districts, it is apparent from the readings of the river gauges that flooding in certain low-lying areas must have occurred for a period early in September following abnormal rainfall, which the channels were not designed to accommodate.
The Barrow Drainage Board, appointed by the County Councils of Kildare, Laoighis and Offaly, is responsible for the maintenance of the Barrow drainage works. The Commissioners of Public Works are satisfied, from the inspections made annually by them in pursuance of Section 19 of the Barrow Drainage Act, 1927, that the drainage works are well and efficiently maintained.