asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of delays of up to two years in granting approval for joint drainage scheme applications in the Gort area of County Galway; and the steps that will be taken to expedite approval.
Written Answers. - Gort (Galway) Drainage Schemes.
327.
Investigation of joint works applications is generally a complex operation necessitating detailed surveys of outfalls, bridges, sluices, culverts, and so on. Account must also be taken of the possibility of damage to adjoining interests. An added difficulty in the Gort area is that most of the outfalls converge on Coole Lake through a series of underground channels. Of the 22 joint works applications received in the Gort area, 12 were either withdrawn or cancelled as schemes could not be prepared because of such factors as lack of adequate outfall, objections from affected parties etc. Of the balance, approved schemes have issued in two cases and a further five cases are at an advance stage of investigation. The remaining three cases will be investigated as soon as possible.