asked the Minister for Finance whether he will state the amount of money already expended on the Barrow drainage work in the Leix-Offaly area; and if, on inquiry and receiving definite proof that work of public utility in connection with this scheme can be carried out immediately on the upper portion of the river, between Portarlington and Mountmellick, i.e., clearing the river of obstructions caused by growing and fallen timber collecting and forming sandbanks, etc., which are the cause of acute flooding in this particular area, the Minister will recommend that this work be started immediately so as to absorb the large number of unemployed in the area.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BARROW DRAINAGE.
The total expenditure on the Barrow scheme for engineering works up to date is approximately £59,000. Of this sum little or nothing has been spent in County Offaly, a substantial amount in County Leix; but no useful estimate of the amount could be given without undue trouble and expense.
It is necessary in carrying out a great engineering scheme of this kind to have regard to efficiency and economy rather than to giving employment in a particular locality at a particular time. In order to obtain the best results and to prevent a temporary increase of flooding the work must proceed from the lower to the upper part of the river, and the district from Portarlington to Mountmellick will not be reached for some months to come.
I am informed that a deputation from this area waited on the engineers engaged on Barrow drainage work in 1926 and received a promise that if it were possible a flying column would be sent to remove the larger obstructions between Portarlington and Mountmellick. Many homes were flooded there last winter and there is a large number of idle men in Portarlington and Mountmellick towns, and also in the intervening rural area, for whom useful work could be found in connection with drainage work in this particular area. I would like the Parliamentary Secretary to inquire into this matter again and inform me as to the result of such inquiry.