asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether a proposal for the drainage of the Finian river, near Birr, County Offaly, has been sanctioned by his Department and the amount proposed to be allocated for the purpose, and if he will arrange to have this essential and urgent work carried out this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of Offaly River.
The Finian river is not shown on the ordnance sheets, but apparently the proposal referred to is for the cleaning of portion of a stream which flows from near Coolderry crossroads to near Kilcolman Cross. An application for the reconditioning of this section of stream was considered under the rural improvements scheme in 1948, when the applicants were informed that, owing to the danger of flooding downstream, the work could not be undertaken unless the landholders along a further section from Millbrook Bridge to Whiteford Mill would join in the application. No reply was received to this suggestion, but if the landholders concerned wish to reopen the matter by submitting a fresh application under the rural improvements scheme, covering the whole stream from Millbrook Bridge to Coolderry crossroads, it will receive consideration.