asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether a report has been received from the Drainage Commission and, if so, if he will state whether and when it is intended to publish it; and, if not, if he will state when he expects to receive this report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Commission Report.
The report has not yet been received. The commission is still engaged upon its preparation but it will be appreciated that the subject of the commission's enquiry has raised issues of considerable perplexity. I understand however, that it is hoped that the commission's labours will be completed within a few months.
Might I ask if any drainage work is being done in the meantime whether under relief schemes or otherwise?
I would say not.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has yet received a report from the Drainage Commission; if he is aware that the countryside drained by the Camlin, Rinn and Blackwater is in a shocking condition, and, if so, if he will proceed with a scheme for the drainage of these areas during the coming spring and summer months.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply just given to Deputy Ua Maolchatha regarding the report of the Drainage Commission. I have no recent information as to the existing conditions in the areas drained by the Camlin, Rinn and Black Water. The investigation of drainage schemes has been suspended pending the outcome of the findings of the Drainage Commission. Consequently there is no prospect that drainage operations will be undertaken in the areas referred to during the coming spring or summer months.
Has the Minister considered the advisability of using some of the relief fund money for that particular purpose to prevent further damage being done?
I should like to remind the Minister that the drainage of these areas was referred to a Board of Works engineer for a report; that the engineer has since inspected the district and, owing to the urgency of it, in my opinion a decision is possible on this particular section. I would ask the Minister to reconsider the matter.
All the larger schemes have been held up pending the report of the commission.