andMr. J. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the progress made in the recruiting of the engineers required for the commencement of the arterial drainage scheme for the Mulcair river affecting lands in Counties Tipperary and Limerick and if he will confirm that this latter scheme will commence at the conclusion of the Maigue scheme; the number of engineers employed in his Department in 1979 as compared with 1978; and the progress, if any, since he received a deputation earlier this year, in the preparation of sketch plans for the Mulcair scheme.
Written Answers. - Mulcair River Drainage Scheme.
277.
The engineering strength of the Commissioners of Public Works increased by ten from 123 to 133 during the last year but a number of vacancies still remain to be filled. The increase though not meeting the commissioners' requirements has enabled a number of projects to be advanced. These include the design of arterial drainage schemes for a number of catchments including the Mulcaire, work on which is proceeding. However, at this stage, having regard to other commitments, I could not say exactly when a scheme for the Mulcaire might commence.