asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that tidal waters have burst the river banks at Rossmanagher, Sixmilebridge, leaving many holdings permanently under water; and if he will indicate what steps he proposes taking to have the breach repaired.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Banks Breached (Sixmilebridge).
The Land Commission are not liable for the repair or maintenance of the river embankments at Rossmanagher, but in view of the extent of the flooding, they are considering the question of repairing the breach. However, the tenants appear to be reluctant to shoulder their responsibilities and until agreement can be reached as to the contribution the tenants are prepared to make, the Land Commission cannot decide on the matter. Steps have already been taken to have materials available so that the work can be put in hands without delay if agreement is reached and if the Land Commission decide to repair the breach.
Is the Minister aware that of the three trustees who had been appointed to administer the funds, two have died, leaving only one? In view of that, will the Minister take steps to see that the vacancies are filled so as to have proper care taken of these funds? Is the Minister further aware that last year the sum of £70 from these funds was made available to the Land Commission, that an officer of the Department inspected the banks and decided that they were sound enough? No steps were taken, with the result that this breach has now occurred which will cost approximately £5,000 to repair, a burden which the tenants cannot undertake.
The appointment of the two trustees will be taken up without delay, and the two vacancies filled. It is quite true that there was an inspection of the breach that occurred. I am informed that it was due to exceedingly rough weather and to high tides—that that was the cause of it. The Land Commission have already taken certain steps in case they should decide to do repairs if the tenants whose lands are being flooded will make a contribution. I understand that the contribution which is being asked of them is a reasonable one. The tenants themselves are reluctant to shoulder the responsibility. I think the Deputy would be doing a good job of work if he were to induce the tenants to meet the Land Commission without delay before the breach gets any worse, which is likely to happen if we have storms and high tides in the future.