asked the Minister for Finance if it is the intention of his Department to implement paragraphs 228 and 232 of the Report of the Drainage Commission under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945; if so, if he will state if the preliminary work has already begun; if not, if he will state when a start is likely to be made; if he will further state what consideration, if any, has been given to paragraph 239 of the report; and if the recommendations contained therein will be adopted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Commission's Report.
A scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the main River Shannon will be considered in due course, but the question of formulating such a scheme presents numerous complex problems involving highly technical and economic considerations. Considerable time would have to elapse before a decision on the question could be taken, and, consequently, precedence is being given to the investigation of other schemes on which there are better prospects of commencing work at an early date.
The recommendation contained in paragraph 239 of the Report of the Drainage Commission will be considered when a drainage scheme is being formulated. Meanwhile no difficulties have arisen which would call for the establishment of the joint advisory committee suggested in that paragraph.