asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to continue arterial drainage operations to include the Corrib-Mask-Robe catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arterial Drainage Operations.
25.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement which I made to the Dáil in connection with arterial drainage on 17th November, 1971, when introducing the Vote for Public Works and Buildings for the current financial year.
Further progress on the preparation of a number of arterial drainage schemes, among them that for the Corrib-Mask catchment including the River Robe, must await the results of the cost benefit study which is being undertaken.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that all the farmers of south Mayo and all the farming associations are up in arms against this delay? I understand that four years ago there was supposed to be a continuation scheme from the Corrib-Mask into the Robe. It has been held up probably through no fault of the Parliamentary Secretary but through lack of money from the Minister for Finance, Could he give me an undertaking that this scheme will continue during the coming year?
I cannot give any undertaking at this time. I would remind the Deputy of what I said on the 17th November:
In the context of programme budgeting which, as announced by the Minister for Finance, is being introduced into the Public Service, projects will in future be subject to close scientific scrutiny from the point of view of cost/benefit ratio before qualifying for allocations from the Capital Budget.
This survey is in progress. Where arterial drainage is concerned, it is not only the cost benefit that has to be considered but consideration has also to be given to the social benefits that may accrue as a result of such drainage.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at an IFA meeting held in south Mayo complaints were made against the local Deputies and the Minister who represents that area that they had not done their work? I want the Parliamentary Secretary to state clearly now that we are not to blame and that it is his office which is to blame because it has failed to provide the money needed to get the scheme started.
A certain amount of work has been done on the Corrib-Mask-Robe catchment area. The survey has been completed. Even if we had all the money in the world, I doubt if we could continue on when we finish on the Corrib-Headford.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary allocate some small amount to enable the main artery of the Corrib-Robe-Mask to be started?
Since last November I have been answering these questions in exactly the same form. Until such time as a proper survey is carried out I will make no commitment on behalf of the Office of Public Works. We are working on a brief which is 35 years old and it is only right that we should have a look again at the whole matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary suggesting that arterial drainage schemes will now cease?
No. What I am saying is that we must reappraise the benefit received from the capital investment made.