Vol. 424 No. 5
55 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure the Office of Public Works makes the banks of the Blackwater between Emmyvale Bridge and Tully Bridge safe by using stone to prevent collapse in view of the fact that the flow in this section has speeded up considerably as a result of levels having been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In the course of works on the Monaghan/Blackwater Catchment Drainage Scheme, deepening was carried out on the downstream portion of this stretch of channel in the Spring of 1990. No deepening was necessary on the upstream stretch of channel. I am advised that some erosion did occur on this latter stretch and where it was considered necessary, rock was used to stabilise the banks. Some minor erosion has since occurred on the unprotected bank area. This is not of such significance that it would justify protection measures of the kind proposed at present. The Commissioners of Public Works have an ongoing responsibility to maintain the channel post drainage and any works considered necessary and economically justifiable will be undertaken in the course of normal maintenance.
