asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the proposed drainage of the Dunkellin river, County Galway; the amount of money spent on surveys to date on this river; the total amount of money allocated for surveys on this river for 1985; the total number of staff presently employed thereon; the expected target date for starting work on this river; and if he will make a statement on this serious situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway River Drainage.
15.
The specialist studies commissioned by the Office of Public Works in connection with the preparation of a drainage scheme for the Dunkellin river catchment are proceeding and are expected to be completed later this year.
To date, expenditure totalling £309,000 has been incurred on these specialist studies. A sum of £72,000 has been allocated in the Vote for Public Works and Buildings to meet the cost of these studies in 1985.
As indicated in replies to previous questions on 6 December 1983, 31 January and 13 June 1984, the Commissioners of Public Works have no function in the staffing of the specialist studies. Pending completion of the studies and of the outcome of the review of arterial drainage policy, I am not in a position to say when a decision might be made regarding execution of the Dunkellin drainage scheme.
Can the Minister give us a breakdown of the amount of money spend on the three studies involved in this drainage scheme?
I do not think I have that. I told the Deputy that £72,000 has been allotted this year. I do not think I have the actual figures for the various surveys carried out.
Can the Minister say if any of the studies are nearing completion? The Minister said a small sum of money was made available for studies in 1985. There are three studies involved.
In 1982 a consultant hydrologist was commissioned to undertake a detailed examination in relation to the balance between overland and underground water flows. This will be completed in 1985. The oceanographer's survey on the proposed drainage scheme in the oyster beds in Kilcolgan Bay near Clarenbridge will also be completed by mid-1985. The Forest and Wildlife Service of the Department of Fisheries and Forestry are considering the future of the Turlough wildlife habitat. In this connection a study of the possible effects of the drainage works on fisheries and other interests in the Turlough area is scheduled for completion in 1985. Those are the three studies. The two specialists engaged are paid on a fee plus expenses basis and the Commissioners of Public Works have no function in the matter of staffing.
If an arterial drainage job was done on the Dunkellin river does the Minister's Department think that the oyster bed sited there will not be harmed or have they come up with any solution to that problem yet?
We must await the outcome of the survey being undertaken by outside consultants in this matter. There is no point in my offering an opinion which would be anything but expert in this matter. We must await their report which is due in the course of this year.
Will those specialists be engaging any extra staff in 1985?
No, there is no question of extra staffing. These surveys are being undertaken by outside consultants and staffing is a matter for them. We will have to pay them when they have completed their report. Therefore the matter of extra staff is not one for us.
But there are only two consultants; does the Minister know what is the time scale set for the completion of their work?
The time scale we have been given is that they will conclude these surveys in June 1985.