asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the very serious position prevailing in Westmeath owing to flooding; and if he will state what is the present position of the various drainage schemes, and if there is any reasonable possibility of proceeding with any or all of them during the summer months.
Written Answers. - Westmeath Flooding.
The Commissioners of Public Works have received from the Westmeath County Council, under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, fourteen petitions for the formation of drainage districts. Of these, eight have been rejected (one because it was estimated to cost less than £1,000, three because the County Council refused to make the necessary contribution, and four because the occupiers voted against them); two are suspended pending developments in connection with a suggested large scheme for the River Inny, for which no petitions have been received to date; one is held up awaiting the receipt of a petition from Offaly, into which it extends; two have been submitted to the County Council, who have not yet given a decision as to whether they will make the necessary contribution; and one has not yet been investigated. If the Westmeath County Council persist in their present attitude towards drainage schemes, it is unlikely that any drainage works can be undertaken in the county.