asked the Minister for Finance if he will make arrangements for the immediate execution of the works necessary to clean and deepen the river between Cashel Lough and the Ayle river.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cleaning of County Mayo River.
This proposal has already been investigated, but could not be proceeded with, for the reason that a formal objection was made by a landholder on the grounds that the work would cause or aggravate flooding on his lands.
Is it not a fact that under the Arterial Drainage Act the Minister for Finance has power to over-ride that objector, particularly when the objection is made purely through spite? That man will not suffer from any flooding, because his land is on a high level.
I do not think the Deputy is quite correct in his assumption that the Minister has such power.
I know the ground quite well and what I have indicated is actually the case.
This is not a work that would come within the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act. I do not think the Deputy is right in assuming that the Minister has such power as he has indicated. If my memory serves me correctly, when this matter was debated in the Dáil it was ultimately decided that such power should not be taken in these cases.
In the case of drainage?
In the particular case mentioned by the Deputy.
Does that mean then that this work cannot go through because of the attitude of that objector?
This man has, through his lawyer, informed the Board of Works that if they proceed as the Deputy would like them to, he will take action in the courts to restrain them.