asked the Minister for Lands if he will state with reference to the Clonown area, Athlone, whether the Land Commission have taken any action to ameliorate conditions for the local people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonown Area, Athlone.
As I stated in reply to a question on 27th April last regarding the Shannon flooding, the Land Commission prepared a scheme for the relief of farmers in the flooded area of the Shannon Valley. It was decided, however, to obtain the advice of an American expert on remedial measures for the control of the river and, naturally, the nature and extent of the Land Commission scheme will require to be reviewed in the light of the expert's report and the Government's decisions thereon. Meanwhile, it would be inadvisable for the Land Commission to take ameliorative action in the matter.
Is there no possibility that those tenants who have already stated that they were willing to transfer out of the area would be accommodated without waiting for this report from the expert? Is the Minister aware that the people in the area are terribly anxious at the moment to see this prepared plan, about which the Minister told the people in the area, put into operation?
The Government took very swift action when the abnormal floods occurred on the Shannon last year. One of the first things I was directed to do was to prepare a survey, which was done, and done in a very excellent manner. The second was to obtain the services of an expert who could report on whether we could control the flooding on the Shannon or not. That expert has sent in his report and until that is dealt with it is not proposed to do anything. It would be obviously foolish for the Land Commission to take steps that might be completely outdated by the expert's report if carried out.
Can we take it, so, that the Government will have this expert's report implemented within the next 12 months and that these people who are anxious to change will then be facilitated?
I cannot forecast what decision may be taken as a result of the expert's report.
Does it mean that another flood is necessary to spur the Minister to action?
That is just silly talk.
It is not silly talk at all.
It is propaganda.
The Minister has looked at the people suffering in the area long enough.
It is the Deputy who has done that.
Order! I would remind Deputies that there are 105 Questions on the Paper and very nearly as many on to-morrow's Paper.