asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the hardship imposed on the people living on the banks of the River Suck through continuous flooding; and, if so, whether he will consider removing the weir that holds up the water near Ballinasloe and thus bring a measure of relief to the people concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Suck Flooding.
I am aware that periodical flooding occurs on certain lands adjoining the River Suck.
The removal of the weir at Ballinasloe can be undertaken by the Commissioners of Public Works only as part of a comprehensive drainage scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the River Suck catchment as a whole. I am not at present in a position to say when such a scheme can be undertaken.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the people along the banks of the Suck who are flooded out every year believe that if this sluice or weir were removed, or even if the gates were kept permanently open, the flooding would be greatly reduced for miles back up the river? If that is so, will the Parliamentary Secretary take steps to see that the body responsible for the drainage of the Suck will arrange for the sluice gates to be kept open?
The matter is entirely out of the control of the Public Works Office. I visited the place myself, and I do believe that it is a crying shame that these sluices should not be opened, in view of the fact that the mill there has been out of action since 1944. We have no authority, however, and without giving any advice to the Deputy, I suggest that it is a matter for the joint drainage committee in charge of the Suck, which is appointed by the Counties of Galway and Roscommon.
Question No. 29, to the Minister for Justice.
Is the Minister aware——
The Minister for Justice.
——that a Deputy for the district said he was sending down dredgers to get this work done?
The Deputy will have to obey Standing Orders.