asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the urgent need for the drainage of the River Maine, County Kerry, and if he will make a statement clarifying the present position in regard to this project.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of River Maine.
The preparation of a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the River Maine catchment area has been proceeding with all possible speed but, owing to shortage of technical staff and difficulties encountered in the design, progress has not been as rapid as was hoped. The preparatory work is now well advanced but, pending compliance with the statutory requirements in regard to exhibition and confirmation of the scheme and the availability of capital, it is not possible at this stage to say definitely when actual works on the ground can be begun.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that provision will be made for that project in the Estimate for the coming financial year and, if so, will he state the amount?
As the Deputy is aware, I cannot anticipate what might be in the Estimates for the coming financial year. I would ask him to wait.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary now state at least that provision will be made for the scheme in the coming financial year?
Ask the Taoiseach.
I will ask the Deputy to wait. I hope he will not be disappointed.
How long shall I have to wait?
Ask Deputy James Larkin.