asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that no intimation has yet been received from him by the secretary, Muintir Na Tíre, Castle-martyr, as to his Department's contribution to the alleviation of flooding in Castlemartyr, which is being proceeded with under the Rural Improvements Schemes, and that his Department have not signified their willingness to guarantee the future cleaning of the portion of the river passing through their property; and if he will have these two matters attended to urgently as the scheme is held up and as there is grave danger of further flooding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alleviation of Flooding in Castlemartyr.
33.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to his question of 29th October last in the same matter, my Department will co-operate in every way in any co-ordinated scheme for the alleviation of flooding in the Castle-martyr area which may be undertaken under the aegis of the Special Employment Schemes Office. The honorary secretary of the parish council was so informed by letter dated 8th November, 1958.
My Department is not aware that any scheme has yet been approved by the Special Employment Schemes Office.
Is the Minister aware that a definite sum has been laid out by the Department in this district? His Department owns a large acreage on both sides of this river, which is completely choked up. The secretary of the committee has written on five occasions asking for the Minister's contribution but it has not yet arrived.
The Deputy is making a speech.
The sanctioning of this scheme does not depend on a specific sum being offered by the Forestry Department as their contribution. It depends on the Special Employment Schemes Office being willing to accept the scheme as a whole and its propriety.
I must inform the Minister that the scheme has been accepted, money laid down and a definite sum demanded from the people down there and the Minister's is the only contribution needed.