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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1970

Vol. 248 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moy Drainage Scheme.

24.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the urgent need for continuing drainage work under the Moy drainage scheme with particular reference to rivers which have been surveyed in the Crossmolina area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

All applications received for drainage work in the Crossmolina area on drains not originally included in the Moy drainage scheme have been considered, with the exception of one which is still being investigated. One additional drain in the area was approved for inclusion in the scheme and work on this drain is in progress. In the other cases it was considered that the cost would be disproportionate to the benefit or that the works were within the capacity of the landowners concerned, with the assistance of the Land Rehabilitation Project.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate the position that now exists in Mayo where a considerable sum of money has been spent on the arterial drainage of the River Moy and where, in many regions, minor streams or rivers would normally be undertaken under the minor relief schemes which we knew in the past? Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider having all these investigated with a view to having them done because it is quite impossible for local farmers to undertake these works at present? The job is beyond their capacity to perform.

Every application has been examined. One has been included. One is still under consideration. Eleven cases were turned down as uneconomic because they would have cost from £108 to £687 an acre. The remaining cases are well within the capacity of the farmers to deal with themselves.

What is considered in other counties to be economic is not always economic in a county such as Mayo. As it is now very costly to migrate from one part of the country to another, would it not be good economics to include these works, thus providing employment for our people and, at the same time, having useful drainage work done?

If this is in any way reasonably economic, we shall undertake the work. The matter is considered very seriously.

(Cavan): Would the Parliamentary Secretary by any chance be taking advice from the majority party on Mayo County Council on this matter because it might not be too reliable?

You may pull a fast one down there but you will not pull a fast one on me.

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