asked the Minister for Finance (a) the present position regarding the draining of the River Shannon; (b) the amount spent to date on engineers' and other fees; (c) the number employed at present preparing plans; and (d) when it is expected that work will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Drainage.
43.
In regard to (a) (c) (d) of the Deputy's question, I would refer him to the statement which I made to the Dáil in connection with arterial drainage policy on 17th November, 1971, when introducing the Vote for Public Works and Buildings for the financial year, 1971-72. The preparation of plans for a number of arterial drainage schemes including that for the River Shannon catchment has been deferred pending receipt of the report on the cost benefit study mentioned in the statement. With regard to (b) a sum of £1,012 was paid to the United States Treasury to cover the cost of an engineer who was loaned by the United States Government to advise on the Shannon flooding problem.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at every general election and by-election during the past 20 years, Fianna Fáil have been promising to drain the Shannon? Is he aware also that before the last general election a photograph of the Minister for Transport and Power appeared in the Westmeath Independent accompanied by the glaring headline that the drainage of the Shannon was about to begin at last? That work has not commenced yet. Therefore, can the Parliamentary Secretary give us any indication of when it will start? As we may have a general election by the end of June would Fianna Fáil not maintain their consistency and at least repeat the promise now?
Deputy L'Estrange is resorting to a well worn out political cliché that not even his local newspapers will be interested in publishing. When the work begins the Deputy who will be interested most in it will be Deputy Cooney.
There is no jealousy in our party. We are all one. Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us when the work may begin?
There is a cost benefit survey being carried out at the moment.