asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that in the Pullough area of Offaly the danger of flooding from the Derrinavey brook has been increased greatly by new drainage work on Turraun bog and on the upper reaches of Oughter brook and that considerable anxiety has been caused in the area by the decision of the Office of Public Works to postpone until next year drainage work on this brook and at the canal aqueduct; and, if so, whether, to avert the danger of winter flooding, he will ensure that drainage work on the Derrinavey brook is carried out immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Flooding.
Mr. O'Higgins
Works under the Brosna catchment drainage scheme have almost reached the Derrinavey brook, and the channel should be completed up to the canal aqueduct before the coming winter. A considerable improvement on former conditions in the Pollough area should then be experienced. Engineering considerations rule out any possibility of the aqueduct being rebuilt until next year.
Mr. O'Higgins
Can it be taken that work on the brook itself will be carried out this year before the onset of harvest or winter flooding?
According to the latest report from the engineer, that is so.