asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the heavy charges fixed upon the benefiting occupiers under the Kilbride Drainage Scheme, Counties Kilkenny and Tipperary, and of the fact that no contribution was made to the cost of the scheme by the county councils concerned, and further, that the State grant amounted to only one-fourth of the cost, he will increase the grant to one-half, or alternatively, extend the period of repayment from ten to thirty years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilbride Drainage Scheme.
The Charging Order in respect of the restoration of the Kilbride Drainage District under the Drainage Maintenance Act, 1924, has been enrolled in the Central Office of the High Court and accordingly nothing can now be done to alter the charges made therein. I may point out, however, for the Deputy's information that the State grant given in this case was similar in character to those given in other cases and was based on such measure of relief as was calculated to limit the charges on the occupiers of the lands drained or improved to such amounts as they might fairly be expected to bear economically. It cannot be admitted, therefore, that any hardship has been inflicted on them.
May I point out to the Parliamentary Secretary that in these cases under the 1924 Act the occupiers were never consulted? Surely there ought to be at least some method of appeal against the decision of the Board of Works in such cases.
Mr. Bourke
Up to the time of the Charging Order being made they could appeal and make any representations they like. After that we have no further power.