asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) whether he has received representations regarding the flooding of lands adjacent to the Shannon north and south of Athlone; (b) whether he has considered the tentative recommendation of the drainage commission to deepen and widen the river between Athlone and Meelick; (c) what justification there was, in the light of representations made to him, for the refusal of the commission to recommend the building of levees on the ground of expense, and (d) the action, if any, he intends taking to deal with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding of Athlone Lands.
Representations have been received over many years regarding flooding of lands along the Shannon. It is evident from the report of the drainage commission that before a decision can be taken on their tentative recommendations, considerable survey work and technical investigation of the whole problem and possibly some experimental treatment will be necessary. It is also clear from their report that, owing to the physical conditions in the Shannon catchment, the possibility of economic drainage is limited as compared with other catchment areas. The available staff of the Commissioners of Public Works is fully occupied on the survey, designing and execution of schemes in other areas where flooding is no less serious, and in which remedial measures, capable of adoption within relatively shorter periods, are more likely to produce a greater economic return.
The natural difficulties presented by the absence of fall in the stretch between Athlone and Meelick, and the unsuitable nature of the soil for the formation of embankments works, render the possibility of a satisfactory scheme exceedingly remote. It is not possible at present to say when the investigation of the problem can be taken up.
In view of the fact that a satisfactory scheme of drainage in that area is not envisaged in the near future, can the Parliamentary Secretary say what steps will be taken to alleviate the distress amongst the people living along the banks of the Shannon? Further, will he not get the Board of Works, in co-operation with the Land Commission, to consider the preparation of a scheme to remove the families living along the Shannon to other areas, so that they will at least be enabled to get a decent livelihood?
As the Deputy is aware, that suggestion was put up at a recent meeting in Roscommon and we are at the moment trying to arrange a conference with representatives of the Land Commission, with a view to finding out whether it is possible to carry it out.