asked the Minister for Lands what is the present position regarding the supply of water for cattle purposes to Mr. M. Boland, Bishoplane, Ballymore-Eustace, County Kildare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Farmer's Water Supply.
20.
The solution of Mr. Boland's water problem now depends upon the expected consent of some other parties for a scheme for the rearrangement of boundaries which, without sacrificing any property rights, will ensure water supplies for all concerned.
He continues to obtain water supplies as indicated in my last reply to the Deputy.
It is not Mr. Boland's water problem. It is the problem of water for his cattle. I did not quite catch the full sense of the Minister's reply but I gather the direction in which the Land Commission is moving. Will the Minister tell me at this stage when is it anticipated that water will be made available for Mr. Boland's cattle? I understand that negotiations to re-draw the boundaries are in progress. Would the Minister say now when Mr. Boland's cattle will get a chance of drinking some of the water that will be available when the boundaries are properly rearranged?
I am unable to reply at this time. All I can say is that these negotiations are continuing steadily.
In the meantime is the Minister aware that Mr. Boland is suffering from drought while his colleagues in adjoining farms experience no such difficulties? Would the Minister give Mr. Boland any idea as to when these boundaries will be rearranged? When is he likely to have water for his cattle? Is it likely that he will have water this year?
I am unable to say.
Would the Minister make some effort, through a reply in this House, to give Mr. Boland some hope that he will get water for his cattle this year?
An enormous effort is being made by the Land Commission to deal with the problem.
An enormous mess is being made by the Land Commission. In fact, hundreds of pounds have been spent trying to find water where people locally know there is no water to be found.
Would the Minister agree that if Mr. Boland's cattle were located in Meath instead of Kildare the water would be provided for them? They are in the wrong county.
Order!