asked the Minister for Local Government whether an officer or officers of his Department visited Knockbarron Bridge, Kinnity, Offaly, with a view to reporting on the closing of the public road between Kinnity and Kilcormack by a change in the course of the Camcor River; and, if so, what was the report of the officer or officers concerned and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Offaly Road.
The county engineer had consultations with the Department's engineering inspectors as to how flooding by the Camcor River might be remedied and the conclusion was arrived at that the only permanent solution would be a fairly considerable drainage scheme for at least a mile on both sides of Knockbarron Bridge. This work would be outside the capacity of the local authority. I understand that the preparation of the scheme for the Little Brosna catchment under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, will be considered in due course by the Office of Public Works, but that no indication can be given at this stage as to when the river will be reached in the course of the drainage programme.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in this particular area the residents are unable to use this road? Will he say if anything can be done without waiting for the Little Brosna drainage scheme to be put into operation to provide some remedy for the poor unfortunate ratepayers in this area who cannot use this road? An immediate scheme is required there.
I appreciate the difficulty that has arisen in this particular area. My information is that there are two farms affected by this flooding. The whole thing is complicated, due to a change in the river's course. It would mean building a new bridge, which would cost thousands of pounds. I do not think there is any prospect of that being done in the immediate future.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the apportionment from the Road Fund for the current year for road safety publicity and the approximate estimate for expenditure as between newspaper and periodical advertisements, pamphlets, films and instruction for school children, imported films and films shot in Ireland.
It is proposed to make an allocation of £7,500 from the Road Fund for road safety measures during the current financial year, but it is not possible at this stage to say how expenditure will be apportioned under the several heads mentioned by the Deputy.