asked the Minister for Fisheries why the drainage of the flooded lands at Ballilogue, near New Ross, is not being proceeded with, and if he will take steps to have this urgent work resumed without delay.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - NEW ROSS DRAINAGE.
The reclamation of the flooded lands of Ballilogue is now complete save for some minor repairs to the embankment which will be carried out shortly. The question of the closure of the breach in the main embankment between the townlands of Grange and Coole whereby portions of these lands are now subject to flooding by high tides is under consideration with a view to ascertaining whether the work could be undertaken during the coming summer.
I think the Parliamentary Secretary has been supplied with information which is at variance with the facts. He says that the work is nearly complete. An embankment was made on the flooded lands but there are still 170 acres flooded. I presume that, while no steps have been taken to deal with the situation, the Parliamentary Secretary expects the occupants of the land to pay their annuities?
The payment of land annuities is an entirely different question. I think I made it clear in my reply that the particular matter in which the Deputy is interested is under consideration. Deputies are aware that it is not an economic proposition to carry out work of this kind during the winter months.