asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the recent flooding of the river Dodder he will now give full effect to the proposals put forward for the prevention of sudden floods recurring on this river by Robert Mallett in his report to the Commissioners of Drainage in 1844; whether he will ensure that sufficient moneys are provided in the Estimates to commence the work in the next financial year; and, if not, if he will make a statement regarding Government policy in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Dodder Flooding.
16.
The report referred to by the Deputy was prepared for the purposes of the Drainage and Improvement of Water Power Act, 1842, and appears to have been primarily related to the provision of water power. Conditions in the area are, of course, entirely different now.
The matter of periodical urban flooding is not one to be dealt with under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.
My interpretation of the Mallett report is principally concerned with the peak flooding of the river Dodder. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the recent floods there caused damage to the extent of at least £30,000 and that over a number of years the damage done in this area exceeds hundreds of thousands of pounds? In view of the great damage caused, would the Parliamentary Secretary now consider dealing with this river, to prevent further damage?
I am bound by the Arterial Drainage Act and the Act does not permit me to do that. The report referred to by the Deputy and the Act under which it was made deal primarily with the provision of water supplies and power; flood control was merely a contingent purpose. A good many of the ideas recommended by the gentleman in question were incorporated in the water supply schemes since provided. Furthermore, a great deal of the territory through which this stream flowed at the time Mr. Mallett made his report was agricultural land. It is now practically all urban.
Since I consider the Parliamentary Secretary's reply most unsatisfactory, I propose, Sir, with your permission, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Good gracious me! What have the Whips been up to?
I shall communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.