asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected that work will commence on the arterial drainage of the River Boyne; and how long it is anticipated that the completion of such work will take after commencement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Boyne Drainage.
10.
A survey of the Boyne catchment has been completed and the design of a drainage scheme is in hands. Owing to the size of the catchment, which comprises nearly 670,000 acres and 1,500 miles of channel extending into six counties, and to the need to find solutions to important problems relating to mills, fisheries, etc., the preparation of a scheme will take some years. Time will then be needed for compliance with the requirements of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, in regard to exhibition, consideration of observations and consultation with other Government Departments, before submitting the scheme for confirmation by the Minister for Finance. We hope to be able to start works in four, or maybe even three years but in a proposal of this size, I cannot make this a definite commitment. The carrying out of the work would take about ten years.