asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that thousands of acres around Lough Gara, particularly in the Boyle-Ballaghadereen areas, are flooded every year, and as a result of the present flooding enormous damage has been done to the people's crops; and if he will take immediate steps to have drainage relief work started in this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding Around Lough Gara.
Mr. Bourke
The lands referred to by the Deputy appear to be included in the existing Lough Gara and Mantua Drainage district, for the proper maintenance of which the local drainage trustees are at present responsible.
The Commissioners of Public Works have recently received petitions under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, for the formation of a new drainage district in this area and are proceeding with investigations in the matter but some time must elapse before a decision can be reached in connection with the new scheme.
Mr. Boland
On this matter again I would like to know from the Parliamentary Secretary about a considerable time elapsing. This is also a very serious affair. The whole district is flooded at present and it has been flooded every year. There is a suspicion locally that there is a vested interest in that Lough which is preventing the work from being proceeded with. It is stated locally that a person who is a prominent Civil Service pensioner has held up the work. That is the view that is prevalent in the district.
Mr. Bourke
There is no truth whatsoever in that.