asked the Minister for Finance what is the present position in regard to the drainage of the Nanny river; whether he is aware that much damage is being caused by the many obstructions from fallen trees, etc., and that great loss is being suffered by farmers as a result of the consequential flooding; and if this river is not included in the catchment area to be dealt with in the immediate future, he will arrange as a matter of urgency for the removal of some of the major blockages as a temporary expedient.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of Nanny River.
10.
We are aware of the need for arterial drainage on the Nanny River and it is included in the list of catchments for treatment under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. It will be dealt with in its turn according to the approved programme. The Act requires the Commissioners of Public Works to deal with the drainage problem in the catchment area as a whole and they cannot carry out temporary work as the Deputy suggests for the removal of partial stoppages.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give me any idea of when this work is likely to start?
I could not.
Could he say whether it will be years or decades?
I could not.
Could he tell me the number in the list?
It is No. 14. No. 8 has been reached.
Would it be possible to have some of the work done now?
There is nothing to prevent the county council from carrying out the work.
The Parliamentary Secretary knows that because of regulations made by the Department of Finance, the county council are precluded from carrying out the work to any great extent. They can only do a bit of a section here and a bit of a section there.
If the county council want to do the work, it will be sanctioned.
Will you stand over that?
I will.
I will take you up on that.