asked the Minister for Finance if he will now state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Commissioners of Public Works to formulate a scheme for the drainage of the Clare-Dalgan River in South Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of Clare-Dalgan River.
I propose to reply to Questions 21 and 43 together. The reports of the engineers and valuers on the proposed drainage scheme for the Clare-Dalgan River disclose that very large free grants would be required to render the scheme economic for the occupiers of benefited lands. The execution of the scheme would have serious effects upon the flooding of lands in the existing Turloughmore drainage district, and unless and until an improved outfall can be provided, which is not considered possible under the existing drainage code, it will not be practicable to proceed with the formation of the Clare-Dalgan drainage district.
Mr. Morrissey
May I ask if it is in order for the Parliamentary Secretary to reply to a question which is definitely starred, a question put down for a written answer?
I presume the written answer to Question 43 will appear in the Official Report.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, can he give us any idea as to when the outfall scheme will be prepared, or if the Board of Works have a scheme in contemplation? I understand the drainage of this particular river would mean the flooding of Turloughmore River, and that is not able to take the water, seeing that the particular outfall is not sufficient. Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if any scheme will be put into operation, or do the Board of Works intend to prepare such a scheme to deal with the outfall? This matter has been in the hands of the Department for years.
I agree. It is a very difficult case. This is a case in which, even on the present estimate and allowing for that flooding, the actual State grant would have to be somewhere about 94 per cent. In other words, the improved value of the land, even under the present estimate, would only be 6 per cent. of the cost of doing the work and maintaining it. Having regard to the fact that there is going to be obviously increased expense on top of that, I think the Deputy will see that the prospects are not at all good. It is quite easy for me to give the answer "no"; it is not quite so easy to give the answer "yes."
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any legislation in contemplation to deal with the outfall and the fishery and mill rights, which are the great trouble in connection with this river and the Turloughmore River? Has he any legislation in contemplation to deal with that part of it?
I do not know any possible legislation that is going to get over the kind of difficulty we are faced with in this case; but in relation to the whole drainage question, legislation to get over any difficulties that can possibly be foreseen is contemplated.
I learn that there are certain rights on the Corrib. Will the Parliamentary Secretary have inquiries made as to the value of those rights, where there is a lot of land from Mayo down to the Corrib flooded for practically five months of the year?
All right.