Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Bonet (County Leitrim) Drainage Scheme.

Edward Nealon

Question:

11 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Finance if a review, announced by the Minister of State of his Department (details supplied) of the environmental and economic considerations for not proceeding with drainage works in the Mullies and Glenade areas of the Bonet River, County Leitrim, has been finished; if he intends to complete the work of the Bonet Catchment Arterial Drainage in the Glenade and Mullies area; if so, when work on these stretches will commence; if it will be done by the Office of Public Works or by contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

In January this year, operations on the Bonet catchment drainage scheme were suspended indefinitely on economic and environmental grounds with about 91 per cent of the scheduled works completed. Because of a serious risk of damaging important fisheries and the possibility of large compensation claims arising as a result, no work was undertaken in a number of sensitive areas.

Consideration is now being given to a proposal to undertake some additional minor bank clearance work in the Mullies and Glenade areas. A provisional schedule of work has been prepared by the Commissioners of Public works and the observations of the North-Western Regional Fisheries Board have been sought, in order to ensure that the proposed works do not have an adverse effect on the important fisheries in these areas. It is understood that the North-Western Regional Fisheries Board are examining the matter at the moment. The question of carrying out these minor works will be considered further in the light of any recommendations the fisheries board may make and having regard to the position in the catchment as a whole and the availability of the necessary resources. Should the works proceed, it is most likely that they will be undertaken by the Office of Public works next year.