asked the Minister for Finance when the cleaning of the River Lennon under the arterial drainage scheme will commence; and if he will expedite this important drainage work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal River.
33.
I cannot say when a drainage scheme for the River Lennon can commence. As I explained to the Dáil on a number of occasions, the question has been raised as to whether the economic and social returns from arterial drainage are sufficient to justify the heavy capital investment necessary for the service. With a view to reaching a conclusion thereupon, a full cost/benefit study of arterial drainage, as administered at present, has been put in hand. This study is making good progress and it is hoped the result will be available next year.
I might point out, however, that the River Lennon does not occupy a high place in the priority list of minor catchments.
Does this study now being undertaken really mean that the original priority listing under arterial drainage may be changed and that rivers that are on it and have been on it for the last 25 years since it was first introduced may be dropped from it? Is this possible? Is this the purpose of it?
No. The amount of capital made available for arterial drainage has been reducing in effect and in order to find out whether I can persuade the Government to make a bigger allocation I must get the facts straight. From a previous examination by my predecessor it would appear that the return from the investment is not sufficient but there is no intention of departing from the priority list.
May I take it that the promises being made, allegedly on behalf of the Government, that this work is about to commence have no official standing or backing as of now?
This is on the minor rivers list. It is very low down on the priority list. Special inspections were made in 1954 and 1962 and it was found that the river was torrential, flowing off a mountainous catchment area and that very extensive works would be needed to contain the high flood flows. The cost of such works would probably be altogether above the basis on which we at present assess whether or not a river should be done. It is unlikely that this river would qualify for a drainage scheme even after the survey has been made.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary evaluate the hopes that this scheme was about to commence as a result of local promises being made, allegedly on behalf of the Government, that such was about to happen? I want it done and I believe it should be done. This has been said and I know that it is not true.
I am not aware of any such promises.