(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Finance the present position in respect of the drainage of the river Suir; and when this work may commence.
44.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - River Suir Drainage.
43.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Finance if engineering personnel have been taken off essential arterial drainage survey work; and what steps are being taken to maintain adequate professional staffing on the Suir survey in view of recent floodings at Clonmel, Ardfinnan, Golden, Camas and elsewhere.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together. A survey of the river Suir catchment area has been completed and a drainage scheme is being designed.
Engineers have not been taken off arterial drainage survey work. There has been difficulty in recruiting a full staff of engineers and to overcome that arrangements were made for the training of engineering technicians whose services are now being utilised to expedite the preparation of drainage schemes.
Until the scheme has been prepared and the requirements of the Arterial Drainage Act complied with, I cannot say precisely when actual works can be commenced.
The by-election must not be coming off or you would be starting it in a couple of months time.
I do not see what that has to do with it.
The Shannon was drained before every by-election in the last 20 years.
The Suir is at an advanced stage.
I am sure it is.