asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that drainage operations at present being undertaken in the Boyne catchment area by Bord na Móna will result in serious flooding downstream during the winter months; and, if so, if he will take steps to have these operations terminated as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boyne Area Drainage.
I have no function in the matter of the drainage operations of Bord na Móna.
I have, however, been informed by the board that the catchment area in question has been liable to flooding in the past and that their operations, which are confined to less than 1 per cent. of the entire Boyne catchment area, will in no way change the flow of water in the area. I am also informed that the board consider that the effect of their drainage works on the overall position in the catchment will be negligible.
Is the Tánaiste aware that in County Offaly, convenient to the Boyne, very serious flooding has been caused recently and would he be good enough to make representations to his colleague, the Minister for Finance, with a view to the carrying out of a very necessary comprehensive scheme on the Boyne, under the Arterial Drainage Act?
That is a separate question.