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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1981

Vol. 331 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath River Bed.

9.

asked the Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works has for the lowering of the bed of the Grennan-Tourlisnamore River, Kilbeggan, County Westmeath.

The Commissioners of Public Works are in consultation with the Department of Agriculture on proposals for further improvement of the drainage of the river in question.

Is the Minister aware that consultations have been taking place for the past three years with regard to the correct levels required in order to alleviate this flooding and will he ensure that the engineers from his Department will co-operate more effectively with the Department of Agriculture in ensuring that the work is carried out?

The Grennan-Toorlisnamore river is a channel of the Brosna drainage scheme which was completed in 1955. The commissioners are statutorily restricted to the maintenance of scheduled works on the execution of minor improvements which can be regarded properly as being capable of being maintained. Proposals for further major deepening works on the river have been mooted so the field drainage grants may be obtained by the landowners. These are well outside the scope of the commissioners' authority. Modified proposals are now under consideration with the Department of Agriculture.

Is the Minister aware that Westmeath County Council provide the funds for carrying out those works and does he not agree that the farmers of the area are entitled to a service?

I can assure the Deputy that there are discussions going on between my Department and the Department of Agriculture concerning this modified scheme for deepening the river. I do not know how long those discussions will take place and when they will be finalised. I will urge that they be expedited.

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