asked the Minister for Finance whether the Office of Public Works propose to take steps to obviate flooding on the Blackwater River, which is a tributary of the River Boyne, between Knockanally, County Kildare, and Longwood, County Meath; and when the work will be put in hands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Blackwater Drainage.
15.
The drainage of the river Blackwater will be done under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 as part of a comprehensive scheme for the River Boyne catchment area in which it lies. A survey of the entire catchment has been completed and the design of a drainage scheme is in hands. I cannot at this stage say precisely when the Blackwater tributary can be reached in the carrying out of the works but I can assure the Deputy that the preparation of the scheme is being expedited.
Without asking the Parliamentary Secretary to be precise as to the date on which work will commence, can he give any general idea?
My opinion is that it will start in 1967.
Oh, thanks be to God.
Safe enough.
My advice here is 1966.
Provided there is not a change of Government.
That fear appears to be uppermost in the Deputy's mind.