asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the serious losses to farmers and others in Offaly as a result of the flooding of lands adjacent to the Shannon and the Brosna rivers; whether he has received any estimate of the loss to the people in the districts of Shannonbridge, Banagher, Lussnagh, Ferbane, Pullough and Kilmucklin, Clara; if he proposes to put drainage of the Brosna catchment area into operation immediately so as to relieve further flooding; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to remedy the flooding of the Shannon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Flooding.
I am aware that the farmers of Offaly in common with those of other counties have suffered losses by flooding, but I have no estimate of the losses sustained thereby.
A drainage scheme for the Brosna catchment area has been on exhibition in the offices of the Westmeath, Laoighis and Offaly County Councils since the 11th November, 1946.
There is no scheme under consideration for the main River Shannon.
Would it be possible for the Department to take up the question of the constant flooding in that area in Offaly which is brought about by the Electricity Supply Board holding up the water? Is the Minister aware that the Electricity Supply Board can let the water away from the Shannon when they so desire? They did so recently at the request of the Grand Canal Company to allow them to look for porter barrels which fell out of the boats.
That is a separate question.