asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the catchments covered by the new arrangements for intermediate river drainage, and those of which inspection has commenced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Intermediate River Drainage.
21.
The proposals for intermediate river drainage are intended to cover independent catchment areas which were considered too small or not of sufficient importance to be included in the main programme for drainage work under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. Preliminary inspections in four areas have been commenced: Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow; Ouvane, Co. Cork; Duff, Counties Leitrim and Sligo; and Glen, Co. Donegal.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary state whether any catchment area, minor or otherwise, in County Roscommon is likely to be included for survey any time under this new scheme?
A list of what might appear to be suitable catchments under this scheme has not yet been prepared. I am sure that when it is prepared Roscommon will be considered in conjunction with the other counties.
Is it not a fact that the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act prohibits specifically the Office of Public Works from interfering patchmeal inside any major catchment area? In other words, is the Office of Public Works not prohibited from touching drainage in any respect in County Roscommon unless and until the Shannon itself is surveyed and drained? Is that not the position?
It seems to be a separate question.
The result of this new proposal means that in Donegal and in any county in which the rivers run direct to the sea grants will be made available while in County Roscommon and other such areas the unfortunate ratepayers will have to bear the burden of drainage themselves.
Question No. 22.