asked the Minister for Finance when it is anticipated that work under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 will commence on the River Erne.
465.
Written Answers. - River Drainage.
464.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will press for an early commencement of drainage of the Erne and its tributaries, and when he expects work will commence.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.
A drainage scheme was prepared in 1970 for that part of the river Erne catchment lying in the State. The scheme was deemed to be uneconomic and was not proceeded with. The Commissioners of Public Works have no immediate plans to renew activity in the matter as their resources will be fully committed for some time to come to other drainage projects in hands. In the circumstances and having regard to the review of arterial drainage policy which is currently under consideration by my Department, I cannot say when a drainage scheme for the Erne catchment might be undertaken.