asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the fact that State lands will be improved by the proposed drainage under the Matt river (County Dublin) rural improvements scheme, he will consider making a contribution towards the scheme in respect of these State lands so that no undue burden may be placed upon local contributors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - County Dublin Drainage Scheme.
An application has been received under the rural improvements scheme for the cleaning of a stream flowing through the townlands of Matt, Inch, Turkinstown, Ring, etc., near Balbriggan, County Dublin which is at present under consideration. Under the terms and conditions of the rural improvements scheme the amount of the State contribution which is offered to the beneficiaries towards the cost of a proposal is normally 75 per cent., provided that the utility of the work is commensurate with the expenditure.
So far as I can ascertain, the State does not own or occupy any of the lands which would be benefited by the cleaning of the stream in question.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this stream is fringed by commons and in view of the fact that commons are generally regarded as State lands, will he review his decision in this matter?
Yes, I am aware that in the second branch of that stream, roughly 170 perches long, it would benefit only a commonage or waste land and would benefit probably 12 additional land owners. The Deputy can tell them that at the moment, as being no man's land, so to speak, it is not State land.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that by this drainage work being carried out these commons will be improved and will be of value to the State?
That is not my information, but if the Deputy can point out anything like that, I will be only too delighted to look into the matter.