asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the complaints of flooding in the Upper Gully Drainage District by several land owners, including Mrs. Margaret Keenan, Cuddagh, Castletown, Mountrath, County Laois, that their lands are subject to flooding; and that these lands can be improved if a drainage scheme is undertaken by his Department for the river which drains Cuddagh Bog, Castletown; if the matter is at present the subject of investigation in his Department with a view to making a grant available; if he will obtain the opinion of the County Engineer on the desirability of this proposal; and if a grant will be made available in order that this drainage work may be carried out with the least possible delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Drainage Scheme.
29.
I am not aware of any complaints of flooding in the Upper Gully Drainage District. The river which drains Cuddagh Bog was cleaned in 1961 and no further work is at present required. If, as alleged, flooding does occur in the Upper Gully Drainage District it would appear to be a matter for consideration by the Laois County Council as the appropriate Drainage Authority.
May I inquire from the Parliamentary Secretary whether he has recently received representations from the Laois county engineer, as I have made representations to him and he has referred me to the Parliamentary Secretary in the matter?
The county engineer would not have any authority whatsoever to make representations to me as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance in charge of the Office of Public Works, for the simple reason that it is the responsibility of the Laois County Council to maintain it and our only interest is to see that it is maintained.
Very good. I shall convey that to the county engineer with pleasure.