asked the Minister for Finance what is the present position in regard to drainage work on the River Fergus, County Clare, and if he will state the position of this river on the arterial drainage priority list.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Fergus Drainage.
Further improvement of drainage conditions in the River Fergus catchment area beyond the works which were carried out pursuant to the District of Fegus Drainage Act, 1943, must await the formulation of a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. In view of the extent of drainage problem in general and of present commitments it is not possible to say when a scheme under that Act can be undertaken.
In the provisional programme drawn up in 1946 the River Fergus catchment was placed twentieth in the list of major catchments.
I am beginning to think that the fact that the River Fergus is situated in County Clare is responsible for the delay. Twelve years ago the work on it was supposed to start in five years' time. Now it seems it will never be done.
I think it is unfair to blame me for something that happened 12 years ago.