asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that in the course of work under the Boyne drainage scheme along the public road at Clonbarn, Kildalkey, Navan, County Meath (a) only half the width of the drain is being sunk and the excavated material may fall back into the water channel and (b) the removal of the hedge between the road and the eightfoot deep drain is a hazard to traffic and animals; and if he will consider having the drain piped and filled in.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Schemes.
41.
Mr. Kenny
The drain is a narrow based channel and the sinking being carried out on it will fully meet drainage requirements. If any excavated material should fall back into the drain it would be removed as a matter of course.
It is proposed to pipe approximately 300 yards of the drain alongside the road. The filling over the pipes, however, will not come up to the road level.
It is not accepted that the drainage work has created a hazard to traffic and animals. The drain was overgrown with bushes before the drainage works and the removal of these bushes simply exposed the hazard which already existed.
When the Parliamentary Secretary mentions 300 yards does it mean that the whole of the drain running along by the road will be piped?
Mr. Kenny
The drain itself is 500 yards. The 300 yards along by the road will be filled in but not to the existing height of the road but one foot lower. If the Deputy presses the case we might consider fencing in both sides or one side of the drain.
I would press to have it fenced or piped because quite a number of cattle go up and down that road every morning and evening and the farmers in the area are worried that some of them may fall in. In fact, one fell in about a year ago.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy will understand that the hazard was already there and was a much greater one because the danger could not be seen: now it is perfectly clear. The channel will run alongside the road and animals can see where they are going. Up to this it was overgrown with bushes.
I take it that the rest of the drain will be fenced in.
Mr. Kenny
Yes, if representations are made in the proper manner.
42.
asked the Minister for Finance if the cost/benefit analysis being carried out on the Dunkellin drainage scheme, County Galway is now complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Mr. Kenny
A cost benefit analysis has not been as yet embarked upon in respect of the Dunkellin catchment. The cost/benefit analysis based on the Maigue and Groody scheme is almost complete and the report is expected shortly. Further progress on the preparation of schemes for the Dunkellin and other catchments must await the receipt and consideration of this report.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the concern that has been expressed by farmers in this area regarding the delay in proceeding with the drainage scheme? The cost analysis has been going on for some time and, as far as I can see, it is only an excuse to hold up the job.
Mr. Kenny
If this is an excuse for holding up the scheme, it was initiated three years ago with regard to the Maigue and Groody scheme. It was not initiated by the present administration.
I did not say that. What I said was it is being used as an excuse for holding up the scheme. The farmers are the people who are most concerned in this matter and they know the scheme is necessary. Therefore, I would ask the Parliamentary Secretary to proceed with it as soon as possible.
Mr. Kenny
I will give it due consideration.
The Parliamentary Secretary is probably aware that his prodecessor, Deputy Lemass, promised us on a deputation this time last year that the cost analysis would be ready by October or November, 1972. Is it a fact that this has not been started?
Mr. Kenny
The difference between my predecessor and myself is that I never promise anything except to do my best. I can only do my best according to the financial assistance I get from my Minister.
Mrs. Hogan O'Higgins
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give us an assurance that work on the Dunkellin river will be started in 1973 or 1974? It is of vital importance to the people in the area.
Mr. Kenny
I can give no specific assurance but I can tell the Deputy that this matter has been under consideration since 1970. It has been the subject of questions from Deputy Hogan O'Higgins on 12th November, 1970; Deputies Hogan O'Higgins, Carty, Hussey and Loughnane on 27th April, 1971——
We are going into too much detail on this question. I am calling Deputy Callanan for a last supplementary question on this matter.
I will have a question on the same subject next week. In rural organisations a survey was carried out of the damage which this river has caused. I am tired coming here on deputations about the Dunkellin river and I would ask the Parliamentary Secretary to get work started as soon as possible. I can tell him this matter is a longstanding grievance in my constituency.
Mr. Kenny
Men may come and men may go but I go on forever.
I am calling Question No. 42.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state the result of the survey?
Mr. Kenny
No.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state the reason for the delay? The survey should be ready by now.
Mr. Kenny
The findings are not completed. I would point out to the Deputy that he was three years in the post of Parliamentary Secretary—I am only three months.
43.
asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to carry out the drainage of the Nanny River, Tuam, County Galway.
Mr. Kenny
The drainage of the Nanny River was included in the Corrib/Clare scheme but had to be postponed because the existing Tuam waterworks would be damaged by silt. The Galway County Council are preparing a new water supply scheme for Tuam and when this has been carried out the drainage of the Nanny can be undertaken.