asked the Minister for Finance if he will state why drainage schemes in Tyrellspass and Rochfortbridge districts, Westmeath, adopted by the Westmeath County Council more than three months ago, have not been started by the Board of Works; and if he will give instructions to have this necessary work carried out immediately and so relieve the distress prevailing in those districts amongst the unemployed.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. - DRAINAGE SCHEMES—WESTMEATH.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
A petition for the formation of a drainage district in the neighbourhood of Tyrellspass and Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath, under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, has been received by the Commissioners of Public Works. An inspection by one of their engineers will be made when staff is available. It is not expected, in view of the preliminary procedure necessary under the Act, that work in any of the proposed new drainage districts will be carried out this year.
In view of the Minister's reply, what is the use of directing the County Council to go to great expense in getting surveyors to put forward schemes when no work is to be done this year?
It is in order that the work may be done next year instead of the year after.