andMr. M.J. O'Higgins asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the works carried out by the Dublin Corporation since December, 1958, on the rivers Dodder and Little Dargle for the purpose of relieving flooding in Churchtown and at Lower Dodder Road will cause a greater flow of water in the region of Orwell Gardens, thereby subjecting Orwell Gardens to the danger of increased flooding; and, if so, whether Dublin Corporation propose taking immediate steps to widen and deepen the river bed between Orwell Bridge and Classons Bridge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding in Dublin Areas.
41.
Mr. Ryan
I am informed by the Dublin Corporation that the works carried out in the present year on the River Dodder will not increase the flow of water in the region of Orwell Gardens and that the culverting of the Little Dargle river will cause no appreciable increase in the flow of the Dodder in the area in question. The latter part of the Deputies' Question does not, therefore, arise. It is, however, well known that the Dodder has always been subject to heavy and sudden flooding at periods of exceptional rainfall and, as a result of the occurrence last December, I understand that further works, designed to minimise the possibility of flooding at Orwell Gardens, are under consideration in consultation with the local residents.
In view of the grave anxiety that may be entertained by the residents of Orwell Gardens by the assertion contained in the Question, would the Minister state if any evidence has been submitted to his Department that the work already carried out has affected the people in Orwell Gardens, as the City Engineer informs me that no such evidence has reached his department up to this morning?
That is exactly the position in so far as my Department is concerned and as stated in the first part of my reply. We have not got any such evidence.
In view of the anxiety that may be entertained by these people because of the approach of winter, will the Minister be more emphatic in stating that the assertion contained in the Question is positively without foundation?
In so far as the information available to my Department is concerned, I can give the Deputy that assurance.