asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider implementing the rural drainage scheme in County Dublin, as severe flooding has occurred from time to time at Portmarnock, Kinsealy, Donabate; Balheary, Ballough, Bog of the Ring and Mulhuddart.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Drainage Scheme.
I would refer the Deputy to my predecessor's reply to a similar question on 23rd January, 1947, in which he stated that the work on the watercourse flowing through the townland of Ballough was found to be outside the scope of the rural improvements scheme, which is intended to deal only with drainage schemes of a very minor kind. No applications under the scheme have since been received by my office in respect of any other schemes in the areas referred to.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, would he not consider bringing County Dublin in under the national drainage scheme?
Undoubtedly County Dublin will get due consideration under the arterial drainage scheme. I need hardly assure the Deputy that there are many areas outside County Dublin whose need is much greater and those areas must get preference because of their paramount necessity.