asked the Minister for Local Government if he can give an estimate of the difference in the cost of providing drainage for County Dublin along the bed of the Grand Canal as distinct from the cost of any other method; if there are any proposals before him in this regard; and if he will make a general statement on the necessity for the provision of such drainage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Drainage.
64.
Additional technical documents received from the Dublin Corporation on this proposal, including alternatives to the Grand Canal route with comparative estimates of cost, are at present under examination in my Department. The original and alternative proposals provide for a comprehensive job of improvement of the surface water and drainage systems in the south city as well as for drainage of a portion of south county Dublin. Until the examination of the present documentation of the proposals is completed in my Department, I shall not be in a position to give an estimate of the difference in cost between these proposals.
I can appreciate the Minister's difficulties but is he in a position to give even a pessimistic estimate?
I do not think I can go even that far, pessimistic or optimistic.
The Minister will appreciate that many industrial projects are held up.
I am fully alive to its urgency and its importance.