Vol. 337 No. 9
asked the Minister for Finance if he is in a position to confirm that the final investigation into the Shannon flood problem has commenced; who will carry out this investigation; if his Department have been in touch with other relevant interested bodies in order to assist this study; if so, the present attitude of these bodies to this study; the terms of reference he specified to his officials for conducting this study; and the composition of the study team.
21.
asked the Minister for Finance if the survey of the River Shannon provided for in the 1982 Estimates has yet commenced; and if he will make a statement thereon.
22.
asked the Minister for Finance (a) if he is aware of the loss and hardship suffered by farmers and the damage being done to land because of flooding by the Shannon; (b) the present position in relation to the Shannon drainage scheme; (c) where it is on the priority list; (d) what is happening in relation to EEC funds allocated for Shannon drainage; (e) and when the Government expects to start work on the cleaning of the Shannon.
(Clare): I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 to 22, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the flood problem in the Shannon basin which, because of its enormity, has had to be considered separately from the main arterial drainage programme.
The proposed investigation of the Shannon has not yet commenced. The implications of the study on staffing, particularly on the technical staff in the Office of Public Works, are under consideration but I hope to be in a position to make a statement on the matter in the near future. EEC funds for the Shannon study will be recouped to the Exchequer on the basis of expenditure incurred on the investigations.
I could not say at this stage when a drainage scheme for the Shannon might reach works stage.
Is the Minister aware the the dilatory and unenthusiastic approach of the Department towards this problem will put at risk the special funds that have been made available by the EEC? Will the Minister please arrange, now that there are external funds available, to have this problem tackled with the urgency that has been lacking for so long?
(Clare): I should like to assure the Deputy that there is no lack of enthusiasm in my area of the Department in regard to getting this under way. I should like to point out that on 26 May 1981 sanction was granted for an assistant chief engineer and two grade I engineers. Those engineers are essential in order to get this study under way. The assistant chief engineer was employed in July and the appointment of the two grade I engineers was tied up with the embargo that was introduced in July. I should like to tell the Deputy that £100,000 was made available in the Estimate but there was no provision made for the extra staff required to carry out this study. With regard to the EEC money, which is due to expire in 1983, it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in having that extended, if necessary.
