asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to publish data on the value of drainage as it affects improved land values as proposed in 1956 by Mr. L.E. Rydell's Report on the River Shannon Flood Problem and again emphasised by the Report on Science and Irish Economic Development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Value of Drainage.
28.
Mr. Rydell's report was related only to the Shannon and he said that study of the flooding problem there over 150 years had produced no simple or obvious solution and that he had not found one. He indicated the lines of investigation to be followed in order to decide whether or not a satisfactory solution could be found and he recommended in paragraphs 66 and 67 of his final report a study of all possible benefits that could result in order to justify a scheme of improvement — in effect a cost benefit analysis. As already announced the engineering study of the Shannon has been begun and of course the recommendations of Mr. Rydell will be borne in mind. The results of the studies will undoubtedly be published when ascertained.
As I told the Deputy in reply to his question last week I am not in a position to say when the National Science Council will consider the matters referred to in the Report on Science and Irish Economic Development or if the council will recommend any changes in the procedure for the evaluation of drainage schemes.