asked the Minister for the Environment if he will allocate sufficient funds to Kildare County Council to enable it to undertake the drainage of the Slate river and the lowering of Derrymullen aqueduct in Allenwood thereby allowing the drainage of approximately 2,000 acres of land in that area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Land Drainage.
38.
There are no proposals before me from Kildare County Council in this matter. A number of inquiries have been made by the local authority since 1979 about the possibility of a special allocation under the Local Improvements Scheme towards improvement works at the Derrymullen aqueduct. The authority was informed that such a project would not meet the conditions of the scheme. There is no provision for the making of special allocations and, as far as drainage is concerned, the scheme is confined to minor works.
Would the Minister say if it would be possible to make an allocation under the Local Improvements Scheme because I understand it would come under that heading?
As I have said already in my reply, Kildare County Council were informed that such a project would not meet the conditions of the Local Improvements Scheme.
I am aware of a similar situation in another county whereby provision was made under the Local Improvements Scheme. Having regard to that would the Minister say if the same precedent would be allowed to get the Kildare one by?
Not being aware of the example to which the Deputy has now referred, if he will bring it to my attention I will certainly look at the overall position.
I understand also that a number of other local interested groups, such as Bord na Móna and the ESB would have an interest in this case. Perhaps their co-operation might be sought as well. Would the Minister accept that?
Yes, I would accept in good faith what the Deputy says.