asked the Minister for Finance if he will state regarding the Moy Drainage Scheme if negotiations are in progress with the Office of Public Works to have original plans for drainage of the catchment area, south-west of Castlebar, embracing Lough Lannagh, Lough Mallard and Black Lough, revised or changed; and if so, (i) when, why, and by whom such negotiations were initiated, (ii) when a decision is likely to be reached, and (iii) if landholders in the catchment area can be assured of full drainage benefits as envisaged under the original Moy drainage plans.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moy Drainage Scheme.
9.
The Moy drainage scheme as originally designed would result in a substantial lowering of the lakes in the Castlebar area. The Fisheries Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries considered that such lowering could adversely affect the trout fishing in the lakes which has been developed in recent years. The Commissioners of Public Works have accordingly undertaken a re-examination of the proposals to see if a modification of the design would be feasible which would maintain adequate lake levels in the fishery interests and at the same time provide satisfactory drainage.
The examination is now almost complete and a decision will be taken as soon as possible.