asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state when it is expected to commence drainage work on the River Ilen, Skibbereen, and thereby alleviate the distress and danger to the town of Skibbereen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork River Drainage.
Mr. Collins
The Department has no information of any current proposals of the local authority on this matter. This matter has been the subject of questions over the past few years, and in particular I would refer the Deputy to replies given on 20th October, 1943; 29th November, 1944, and 14th February, 1946. Under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948, sanitary authorities are now empowered to prevent injury to public health or local amenities of any locality by reason of obstructions in any river or watercourse. I shall be glad to receive any proposals which the sanitary authority may see fit to make under their new powers and to have them considered as sympathetically as possible.