asked the Minister for Finance whether he can state if it is intended to do any work on the river leading from Wateraghy to Belturbet during the coming summer; and, if not, whether he will state the reasons for the delay.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. CAVAN RIVER.
It is unlikely that it will be possible to begin works this year on the river Erne from Wateraghy to Belturbet.
The Commissioners of Public Works have had a general valuation made of the lands that would benefit by the execution of the works on the portion of the river between Carratraw and Belturbet. They now propose, when weather conditions permit, to have a further inspection and survey carried out by their engineer on the river from Wateraghy to Belturbet. Until this has been done, and the financial aspect of the scheme has been ascertained, they will not be in a position to lay any proposals before the Minister for Finance, or to approach the County Council for a contribution towards the cost of the scheme.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any idea of how many inspections have been already made of this river?
Mr. BOURKE
This is a very difficult scheme to put into operation. There are two old drainage districts overlapping there, and the original scheme that was inspected had to be reconsidered. We are now dealing with the larger scheme.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this scheme has been going on since 1924, and if there have been two inspections made each year? In fact, the cost of inspections would remove the obstruction.
Mr. BOURKE
That is ridiculous.