asked the Minister for Finance if he will include the drainage of the River Fergus in the proposals for EEC aid for the drainage of the West.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Fergus Drainage.
34.
When in due course a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the River Fergus catchment is prepared it will be considered for whatever EEC financial aid is available. At present I am unable to say when the catchment will be reached in the arterial drainage programme.
Might I ask the Minister what place that river is on the priority list at present.
It is No. 20.
Does the Minister anticipate that, as a result of a cost/ benefit study and considering the growing population of the town of Ennis which is constantly being flooded, the priority list could be improved, when the drainage would be done much sooner?
We are talking about EEC funds. I have had no indication whether such moneys will be available. I can assure the Deputy that if and when such moneys become available I will be giving very serious consideration to the overall position.
The Minister is completely contradicting himself.
What is wrong with the Deputy today?
Will the Minister tell us whether he will stick to the priority list or make out his own list?
I would be very reluctant to depart from the priority list which has been approved by successive Governments. However, I cannot anticipate what moneys will become available from the EEC.
Might I ask the Minister if there definitely will be money available from the EEC for the four catchments which have been announced as being proposed?
I could not tell the Deputy.
No decision on any money?
This matter is going before the Council of Ministers for decision. Therefore, until such time——
And there is no commitment at all yet?
None whatsoever.
In view of the fact that the Government here possibly will be contributing £15,500,000 will they not be empowered then to make their own decision in relation to the rivers they consider to be most urgently in need of drainage?
That question is for another day. Question No. 35.
(Interruptions.)
I will keep what the Deputy said in mind.