asked the Minister for Finance whether he can report progress in overcoming difficulties encountered in promoting a rural improvement scheme for the draining of the Annagh River, County Westmeath, above and below the mill weir belonging to Mrs. Alice Buckley.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Improvement Scheme.
An offer of a grant of 75 per cent. of the cost of cleaning the river downstream from Annagh mill-race has been issued under the rural improvements scheme to the representative of the landholders along that portion of the river, conditional on the consent of all interested parties being obtained and on the lodgement of a local contribution of 25 per cent. of the cost of the work.
The drainage of the river above Annagh mill was also under consideration, but as the consent of all the parties interested could not be obtained, the proposal could not be regarded as eligible for a grant under the rural improvements scheme.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say how many years this matter has been before his Department?
A Deputy
I suppose half-a-dozen, anyhow.