asked the Minister for Finance the present position on the priority list of the drainage of the Munster Blackwater river; and when this urgent work will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Munster Blackwater Drainage.
32.
On 23rd February, 1972, I told the Deputy in answer to his question that the Blackwater is No. 22 on the priority list of major catchments on which the arterial drainage programme has proceeded.
At that time also I referred the Deputy to the statement in connection with arterial drainage policy which I made to the Dáil on 17th November, 1971, when introducing the Vote for Public Works and Buildings for 1971-72.
The results of the cost/benefit study which is being undertaken in connection with arterial drainage are awaited.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the drainage of the Munster Blackwater appears to be getting lower on the priority list? Will he further agree it is about time that the people in his own party, including the urban councillors, who said they could get this thing done through the Minister for Defence, should stop talking about the drainage of the River Blackwater?
I am afraid the talking about the drainage of the River Blackwater comes from the Deputy's side of the House rather than from over here. I have made it quite clear any time I have been asked about it, even working under present policy, that it will be very many years before the Blackwater is reached. It is No. 22 on the priority list. The latest survey being undertaken is No. 18 and with the capital moneys being made available I do not know whether we will ever see the Blackwater being drained.
It is only right that I should put on record my view when the Parliamentary Secretary says that talking about the drainage of the Munster Blackwater comes from this side of the House. This should be corrected here because it is the Parliamentary Secretary's own members who are making political propaganda out of it.
As far as I recollect I met a deputation and I made the position very clear.