Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 4

Written Answers. - Owenmore and Arrow (Sligo) Catchment Area.

Edward Nealon

Question:

83 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Finance the stage which has been reached with the cost benefit analysis for the arterial drainage scheme for the Owenmore and Arrow rivers catchment area in County Sligo; and when a final decision will be made.

Edward Nealon

Question:

85 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the very heavy and prolonged rainfall over the past few months, particularly in August, has caused constant and continuous flooding in the Owenmore and Arrow rivers catchment area in County Sligo, resulting once again in the sustaining of major losses by farmers; and if, in view of this latest flood damage, he will now sanction the arterial drainage scheme for the catchment area and ensure that work commences with the minimum possible delay.

Edward Nealon

Question:

86 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Finance the stages still to be completed in the preparatory work before the arterial drainage will commence on the Owenmore and Arrow catchment area in County Sligo; and the estimated duration of the remaining stages.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

93 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Finance if a financial allocation will be made in this year's estimates for the drainage of the Arrow and Owenmore rivers in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. N. Treacy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 85, 86 and 93 together.

The Owenmore/Arrow Catchment is No. 16 of 28 catchments on the priority list of major catchments (catchments over 100,000 acres in extent) being considered for treatment under the Arterial Drainage Acts.

The field studies in connection with the environmental impact assessment have been completed and studies in relation to the cost benefit analysis were also undertaken. In the context of this analysis it was necessary to examine a variety of options before determining the optimum scheme. Present indications are that it will be difficult, and may be impossible, to formulate any scheme which would give an economic return for the investment involved. In the circumstances, the local drainage committee was consulted by the Office of Public Works in an effort to ensure that all potential benefits were identified. They subsequently listed a number of additional areas which they considered might benefit from the scheme and these areas have now been examined. However, until a review of the results, currently in hands, is completed it is not possible to say if an economic scheme for the catchment might be formulated and therefore the question of a financial allocation being made this year does not arise. The results of the studies will be available shortly. If and when it is decided to proceed with a scheme there is a lengthy, statutorily required, exhibition and consultation process to be followed. As a result of all investigations carried out to date I am aware of the extent of the flooding which can occur in the catchment area. I regret the hardship caused by such flooding but can give no definite commitment at this time in relation to a solution to the problem.