asked the Minister for Finance whether the Nenagh drainage scheme has displaced the Maine drainage scheme on the priority list; further, what is the present position in regard to the Maine drainage scheme and when work on it will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Nenagh Drainage Scheme.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative.
The engineering survey of the Maine catchment has been completed and the design of a scheme is in hands. Pending preparation of the scheme and compliance with the statutory requirements I cannot yet say when works on the scheme will commence.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary explain how it is that the drainage of the Nenagh will not displace the drainage of the Maine on the priority list?
For the simple reason that the Nenagh river is a minor catchment and the Maine is a major catchment.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state when work on the Maine is likely to begin?
The engineering survey was completed last October. Work on the valuation survey and the design of the scheme is proceeding. The engineer estimates that, all going well, the preparation of the scheme will be completed in 1956. There will be a long time involved in inspection and things like that. It cannot be expected, therefore, that work will start sooner than 1956.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the local feeling that once again he has displaced the drainage of the Maine in favour of the drainage of the Nenagh? Is he prepared to make any statement in regard to this very urgent problem?
I am sure the Deputy is not deceived. This is not the first time the Kerry people thought that.
That is not an answer.