Vol. 397 No. 6
102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to initiate a programme for the removal of fallen trees and other obstacles causing obstruction and consequent flooding in the major rivers throughout the country; if any survey has been carried out as to the extent of such obstruction in rivers at present; if he intends to initiate any such survey; if he accepts the need to have such works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Commissioners of Public Works undertake the removal of fallen trees and other debris which cause obstructions in rivers as part of their responsibilities for the on-going maintenance of river catchments for which they have completed comprehensive arterial drainage schemes.
By their very nature localised flooding problems caused by temporary obstructions of rivers are not capable of ready survey and I am not aware of any such survey having been carried out, nor in the circumstances are there any proposals to undertake any such surveys.
The extensive clearing works envisaged by the Deputy for all major rivers, much of which would be the responsibility of individual landowners, are outside the scope of the commissioners responsibilities and they have neither the jurisdiction nor the funds available to carry out such works, however beneficial.
