asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that great loss and hardship is inflicted on the farmers in Cavan by the recurrent overflow of the River Blackwater and its tributaries, causing heavy floods in the surrounding area: and, if so, whether he will take steps to have the necessary drainage work carried out at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Works.
The drainage of the River Blackwater to which the Deputy refers can be undertaken under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, only as part of a comprehensive scheme for the entire River Boyne catchment area in which it lies. I am not in a position to say when such a scheme can be undertaken.
Can the Minister give us any indication at all as to when this drainage work can be effected? Is it a matter of "live horse and you will get grass?"
It would be easy for me to make a rash or foolish promise, but I will not do that. I am not in a position to give the Deputy or any other Deputy more definite information on this point.
asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to undertake the general scheme for the drainage of the River Moy situated in Counties Mayo and Sligo and whether, in the meantime, it is intended to take some measures of a temporary character, to mitigate the damage caused to the lands adjoining by the flooding of the River Moy.
A survey of the River Moy catchment area for the purpose of formulating a comprehensive drainage scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, will be put in hands early next year.
The Moy catchment area does not lend itself to piecemeal treatment and, in the circumstances, it is not proposed to embark on any temporary works in the area pending the preparation of the comprehensive scheme.