asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the annual damage done to arable land by the flooding of the Drowes River at Bundoran and between the latter town and Lough Melvin; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to have this river properly cleaned and drained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lough Melvin Drainage.
As I have already indicated in reply to previous questions, the relief of flooding caused by rivers like the Drowes is work which is not the function of my Department. I regret, therefore, that I cannot arrange as suggested by the Deputy.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that two counties, Donegal and Leitrim, are affected by the flooding of this river —two counties lacking in arable land—and would the Minister for Agriculture take thismatter up with the Department of Finance through the Board of Works and endeavour to obtain some grant to assist these small farmers on the banks of the river whose lands are being flooded?
I think the Deputy's statement that the river flows through two counties indicates that it is not one for the scheme administered by the Minister for Agriculture, and I think the Deputy knows also that Donegal County Council have regarded it as being too comprehensive for the operation of the Local Authorities (Works) Act.
Like Deputy O'Leary, I am afraid it is nobody's child.
It is an arterial drainage job.