asked the Minister for Finance when work will commence on the drainage of the Nanny river in east Meath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Drainage.
75.
The Nanny is No. 14 on the priority list of minor catchments. At this stage I cannot say when it is likely to be reached but it will be some years yet.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it would be wise that this should be done concurrently with the Boyne drainage scheme while the staff and machinery are available in County Meath and that it would be very unwise to move that machinery away at considerable public expense only to bring it back again some time later when the Nanny does come up in the normal way? Would he not consider raising the Nanny on the priority list?
What about other people's nannies?
The Boyne is well ahead of schedule because we have been unable to carry out work in other places. I do not see why the Nanny should take priority over other schemes at this stage.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that it would save considerable expense——
I like to keep intact the staff employed under the Arterial Drainage Act if I can, and I have taken people from other parts of the country. They have been displaced from their own areas of residence in order to continue working for the Office of Public Works. They are now in the Boyne area and are looking forward to getting back to their wives and families.
All the staff would not be required for the Nanny.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if he has got the right Nanny?
Yes, the East Meath Nanny.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if he has ever deviated from the priority list?
I certainly have not but I know somebody who has. If the Deputy wants to press me on that point I can deal with it on a Written Question I have here.