(Cavan) asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the summer level of Lough Ramor, County Cavan, is not reduced as a result of the Boyne drainage operations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boyne Drainage.
35.
The drainage scheme proposed for the Boyne catchment does not provide for any lowering of the normal summer level of Lough Ramor.
36.
(Cavan) asked the Minister for Finance if a number of important tributaries of the Boyne in the Bailieborough-Killinkere and Virginia area of County Cavan have not been included in the scheme for the drainage of the River Boyne; and if he will take steps to amend the scheme to include these rivers in order to relieve serious flooding in this area of County Cavan.
Portion of the Boyne catchment upstream of Lough Ramor, including the Dunancry and Upper Kells Blackwater rivers and portion of the Moynalty river upstream of Corlat was omitted from the Boyne drainage scheme as it was found that the cost of the drainage works would be excessive in relation to the area of land that would benefit. Since exhibition of the scheme representations have been received to have these areas included and it is proposed to reconsider the matter during the course of the works.
(Cavan): Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind when he is revising the scheme the Killinkere River which leads from Lough Ramor through to Corries, Bailieborough and the river from Lough Ramour through Dunancory towards Billis?
If you reduce the level of the lake you will cause considerable flooding?
(Cavan): You can look after Meath and I will look after Cavan. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are in Bailieborough, Killinkere and Virginia a number of important rivers which have not been included in the scheme? Do I take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that in view of representations that have been made he proposes to revise the scheme?
It would be more accurate to say that we are going to listen to representations which have been made and to examine them again to see if there is any substance in them. The representations which have been made appear to be well worth while examining.
(Cavan): Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that there are rivers in Bailieborough, Virginia and Killinkere which have not been included and which are causing a considerable amount of flooding?
This is true but the question the Deputy asked does not refer to this particular area.
(Cavan): With respect to the Parliamentary Secretary I think I specifically referred to the Bailieborough-Killinkere and Virginia area.
The question of the drainage of the area about which representations have since been received is being examined.
(Cavan): I hope before anything final is done that the Parliamentary Secretary will communicate with the Cavan County Council and the Deputies who have made representations to him.
That would be normal practice.