asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that small farms are covered with mud in the townland of Derryshinogue, Lanesboro, Longford, owing to the fact that the bogs of Derryhawn and Derrygowna are drained into a small river which is so shallow that the mud off the bog has flowed out destroying the grass and a spring well which is the only water supply in the townland; if he has got any report on the matter from the engineers of the Turf Development Board, and what action he proposes to take with a view to having the river widened and deepened.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of Longford Bogs.
I have no information regarding the matters referred to by the Deputy. The particulars desired by him appear to relate to work undertaken by the Turf Development Board, Limited, in connection with the drainage of bogs. I have no responsibility for the board's administration of such works. From inquiries I have made arising out of the Deputy's question, I understand that the river in question could, with advantage, be deepened to alleviate conditions which now exist during periods of peak flow, but the Turf Development Board do not accept responsibility for the execution of this work as their land forms only a relatively small proportion of the total acreage contributing to these conditions.