asked the Minister for Finance on what rivers drainage works are now being carried out by the Office of Public Works; how many people are employed in this aspect of the Office's work; and on what new rivers drainage works are likely to be initiated in the next five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Schemes.
53.
Drainage schemes are being carried out by the Office of Public Works in the following catchments:—Moy, Corrib-Headford, Boyne, Burnfoot Skeoge (Donegal), Owenavorragh (Wexford), Creegh (Clare), Carrighorig (Tipperary) and Kilcoo (Leitrim/ Fermanagh). Works are also in progress on the Ringmoylan/Foynes, Newtown/Tervoe and Polefield embankments in the Shannon estuary.
The number of men directly employed on these schemes at a recent date was 910. In addition 100 men are employed in the central engineering workshop, which services plant etc., for drainage schemes, and employment is given to some 350 men on the maintenance of 32 catchment and embankment schemes already completed.
Schemes are under active consideration for twelve catchments but, pending completion of survey or design work, compliance with the usual statutory requirements as to exhibition etc., confirmation and the availability of finance, I am not in a position to say when drainage works are likely to be initiated on those schemes.