asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the Electricity Supply Board have decided to proceed with the Lee hydro-electric scheme, and, if so, (a) when it is proposed to start work on the project; (b) the number of dams it is proposed to erect and their location, and (c) when and where maps, etc., will be made available to interested persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lee Hyrdo-Electric Scheme.
I have approved the scheme for the hydro-electric development of the River Lee submitted by the Electricity Supply Board and have made an Approval Order under Section 4 of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1945. It is anticipated that work will commence within a period of six months.
There will be two dams on the river, one at Inishcarra in the townlands of Curraghleigh and Currabeg, the other in the townlands of Carrigadrohid and Monallig.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that plans will be made available for inspection immediately. They will be deposited at the Garda stations in Ballincollig, Coachford and Macroom and at the head office of the board in Dublin.
Might I ask the Minister if any period will be made available in which objections may be lodged before the Minister gives his final approval to the scheme?
I have approved of the scheme and I have signed the Approval Order. The periods during which to make representations are, I think, set out in the Statutes. However, I shall give the Deputy any further information he may require on that matter.
Do I take it that, irrespective of any representations made to the Minister, the scheme is going to be proceeded with?
The Deputy may take it that full weight was given to all the representations which were made but, notwithstanding that, it has been decided that in the national interest the scheme should go ahead.
May I point out to the Minister that it was impossible for the people in the area to know how their interests or affairs would be affected, until the maps were made available showing the areas that would be flooded and the damage that would be caused? It was not feasible for them to make appropriate representations until they had the maps available, showing the effect this work would have on the countryside.
Is it not a fact that the Minister received a deputation in regard to this matter and that the people locally know well what areas will be flooded?