asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the final survey of the Maine catchment area has not yet been undertaken and, if so, whether, in order to satisfy the people concerned that this drainage scheme will be put into operation in the order in which it was placed on the priority list, he will state what is being done or will be done and when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maine Drainage Scheme.
I am not in a position to add to the reply which I gave on 28th February, 1951, to a similar question by the Deputy.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state the cause of the delay in carrying out the final survey of this area?
Is it a fact that some years ago, so far as the order of priority is concerned, this particular drainage scheme was listed No. 4 and that now it has been relegated to the position of No. 6 even though, in the meantime, the Brosna and the Feale schemes are being undertaken? It looks as if this particular scheme is, if I may say so, being shelved again.
The reason for the delay, so far as the survey is concerned, is the shortage of engineering staff at the present time. With regard to the priority list, it has never been published. The priority list is the same as when I gave a reply to Deputy Palmer's previous question—that this scheme would start after the other one had been completed.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say when the final survey in regard to this area is likely to take place?
Probably at the end of the year.
Since the order of priority in which these schemes are to be taken seems to be known to some Deputies, will the Parliamentary Secretary consider the advisability of making the order of priority known to all Deputies?
That is a separate question.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I was aware that this scheme was No. 4 on the list when Deputy Smith was Parliamentary Secretary? I had my information at that time as well as now.
Did I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to say that a scheme which had been allotted fourth place on the priority list has now been taken out of that place?
I did not say any such thing.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say what place it occupies now? Will he answer that question?
Question No. 15.