asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what plans he has to relieve the plight of the farmers in the Shannon Valley; and whether it is proposed to drain the Shannon and compensate all landowners immediately for their continued losses and inability to use their lands owing to flooding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding of Shannon Valley.
I presume the Deputy refers to the area along the Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. The position in regard to the possibility of undertaking drainage works on this district was explained in a reply given on 10th April last to a previous question by the Deputy. As he was then informed, the likelihood of formulating a satisfactory drainage scheme for the Shannon is remote.
No scheme for the payment of compensation to owners of lands normally subject to periodical flooding in this or in any other area is in contemplation.
The Parliamentary Secretary has made reference to a reply given to me on 10th April last by his predecessor. Is is not quite clear from his reply now that it is the intention of the present Government to do nothing for the unfortunate people who are forced to exist under these conditions in the Shannon Valley?
The position is that it is a very big problem, and was thoroughly explained to the Deputy and a deputation accompanying him on the 1st March when my predecessor, the chairman of the Commissioners of Public Works and a number of others were present. There was a full and frank discussion then and all the problems were clearly put before that deputation.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary hold out even any ray of hope, or show any hope of relief even on the far distant horizon, for these unfortunate people some of whom are constituents of the Parliamentary Secretary and some of whom are my constituents? Can he hold out no hope of relief whatever under his administration?
I should like to hold out a ray of hope, even in the far distant future, if it were possible. I am very sympathetic and very interested but to put that interest into practical effect is a different thing. I should be interested even in taking the Deputy to heaven in a cushioned chariot but that is impossible.
Bury him in the Shannon.
I think that chariot should be kept for the Minister for Finance.