asked the Minister for Finance if he has the results of the cost/benefit study regarding arterial drainage which was put in hand about a year ago; if so, whether the position of arterial drainage will be improved in so far as national priorities are concerned; and if expenditure under this head, particularly for the west of Ireland, will be increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arterial Drainage Study.
35.
Mr. Kenny
The study has not yet been completed but the full report is expected early in the new year.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary be more precise because I was promised that report for about April, 1973?
Mr. Kenny
During my predecessor's reign in office the Department of Finance initiated this cost benefit survey. The catchment they initiated this on was the Maigue. The cost benefit survey is almost finished on the Maigue and an interim report is being furnished to the Minister for Finance and to the Office of Public Works. A full report will come in the new year.
Am I to understand that only the Maigue was surveyed?
Mr. Kenny
It was initiated on the Maigue. The Maigue took two years and three months to survey. From the information on the Maigue, and from the details and particulars, it will only take about six months to survey every other catchment that must be done.
Can I take it from the Parliamentary Secretary that any programme for arterial drainage which was initiated in my time will not be held up as a result?
Mr. Kenny
Not only will it not be held up, but it will be done in a much more expeditious manner.
I hope so.