asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the hardship caused in Ennis, County Clare, arising from periodic flooding by the River Fergus; whether pending the commencement of permanent remedial works he will take immediate steps to eradicate as far as possible the cause of this flooding; when the survey work in connection with the arterial drainage scheme will commence; and the approximate duration of the survey.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Flooding.
49.
The flooding problem in Ennis could be considered by the Commissioners of Public Works only in the context of an arterial drainage scheme for the Fergus catchment as a whole. The Fergus will be dealt with in its turn in the arterial drainage programme but it will not be reached for some years. The survey of a catchment of its size would take several years as would also the design and preparation of a scheme.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Government have already promised to make a grant available for the relief of this flooding through the Department of Local Government?
I am so aware. The Department of Local Government have indicated they will make a grant under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948 and the Commissioners would have no objection to the council improving the land by relieving the Fergus flooding.