asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that large stretches of land in County Clare are flooded for the greater part of the year and, therefore, very restricted in their productive capacity, and if, in consideration of the generally poor productivity of the soil in County Clare, he will initiate immediately drainage and reclamation schemes in that county.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding of County Clare Lands.
As already explained in this House, it is proposed to make a start with the land reclamation project in eight counties, namely, Carlow, Kilkenny, Sligo, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, Wexford and Wicklow, and it is hoped that this can be done by the 1st July next. As more staff becomes available the project will be extended until it embraces the whole country, a position which it is hoped will be reached within 12 months from the date on which the first operations under the project begin.
I may add that officers of my Department are already carrying out preliminary survey work in connection with the project, not only in the eight counties in which it is intended to start operations by the 1st July next, but also in other parts of the country, including County Clare.
Can the Minister say even tentatively when the scheme will reach County Clare?
As far as giving a tentative date is concerned, I have given one—within 12 months from the 1st July.
At the latest?
At the latest.