asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that (a) sufficient money has been sanctioned by Mayo County Council and his Department for the cleaning and deepening of the Carrabeg River for a considerable time past; (b) a large number of farmers and others are suffering serious loss and inconvenience owing to its present condition; (c) the scheme is apparently held up owing to lack of clarification as to what authority is responsible for the cleansing of the portion of the river which runs through Westport urban area and (d) the Westport Urban District Council has requested clarification from his Department without a decision so far; and, if so, if he will indicate if this portion of the work falls more properly within the ambit of (1) the Westport town engineer's duties or (2) the county engineer's duties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carrabeg River.
The Mayo County Council and the Westport Urban District Council have submitted to my Department certain proposals under the Local Authorities (Works) Act in connection with the portions of the Carrabeg River in their respective functional areas. The merits of the proposals could not properly be assessed in the absence of a survey and the submission of proper designs. The two councils were so informed in June, 1951, and it was suggested that they should consult together on their proposals. Nothing further on the matter has been submitted to me by the county council. So far as Westport Urban District Council are concerned a doubt arose as to who should carry out the preliminary work and the council were informed on the 18th August last that the preparation and execution of schemes under the Act came within the defined duties of the office of town surveyor. A further point arising out of this matter has been raised by the urban council and my Department is now taking the matter up with the county manager.