asked the Minister for Finance if the cost/benefit studies of arterial drainage so far carried out justify a greater allocation for arterial drainage in the future.
145.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reclamation and Drainage.
144.
asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that about four million acres of land in Ireland are still in need of reclamation and drainage, he will increase the level of his Department's activities in this field.
Mr. Kenny
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
A national programme of arterial drainage is proceeding as rapidly as resources allow on the basis of settled and published priority lists. Each proposed scheme must now be subjected to a cost/benefit study. The results of the first such study, on the Maigue catchment, showed a favourable cost/benefit ratio and that scheme is now in progress.
It is doubtful, however, if the results of the cost/benefit study of the Maigue catchment could be accepted as applicable to arterial drainage on a national basis. Each scheme will, therefore, need to be considered on its merits.
The provision to be made for arterial drainage will be considered each year in the light of the results of the cost/ benefit studies of the individual schemes and the current budgetary position.
The Minister told us that there was to be an increased allocation of 29 per cent for next year.
Mr. Kenny
I thought it was 18 per cent he said.
I think it was 28 per cent. If it is 18 per cent, it is nothing extra. In addition to the Maigue and Boyne, will any other scheme be started in the coming year?
Mr. Kenny
If I live long enough, the Corrib-Mask-Robe will be finalised and finished.