asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has examined the correspondence between the association representing the interests of farmers whose lands are constantly flooded between Athlone and Banagher during August, and the Electricity Supply Board; whether he is aware that court proceedings have taken place to test the responsibility of the Electricity Supply Board for such flooding; whether he will take steps either to relieve doubts in the minds of the parties concerned or to provide State compensation or to direct the Shannon river authority to take some remedial action, or to deepen the Shannon channel from Athlone to Banagher at the earliest possible moment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Flooding in Athlone and Banagher Areas.
I have not examined the correspondence between the association and the Electricity Supply Board to which the Deputy refers, but my attention has been drawn to the correspondence about flooding on the Shannon between Athlone and Banagher which passed between the Deputy, the board and the Minister for Industry and Commerce in the years 1946-1947. I am aware that a claim for damages against the Electricity Supply Board in respect of the flooding was decided by the courts in favour of the board. I do not propose to act on any of the suggestions made by the Deputy in his question and would refer him to the relevant paragraphs in the Report of the Drainage Commission, 1938-1940.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that this matter has been taken up with the Commissioners of Public Works by a deputation on which Deputy McQuillan and I were members? Has he any information as to what the policy is of the Commissioners of Public Works and the Electricity Supply Board?
I have no information about any representations which have been made to the Office of Public Works.