asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the general disappointment of the small farmers of East Mayo and West Roscommon by reason of the delay in completing the drainage which they understood was to be carried out when the obstructions at Lough Gara were removed; and, further, that there are thousands of acres of land and bog water-logged because of the conditions of the rivers flowing into Lough Gara; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Scheme.
The works in Lough Gara carried out by the Commissioners of Public Works as agents for the Minister for Agriculture under the Land Reclamation Act, 1949, have been completed. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question by him on the 5th August last when I informed him that the drainage of the rivers flowing into Lough Gara could be undertaken under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, only as part of a comprehensive scheme for the entire Boyle River catchment area in which they lie. I am not in a position to say when such a scheme can be undertaken.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that as far as the tenant farmers of East Mayo and West Roscommon are concerned, the cutting of the rock at Lough Gara has had no material effect on the drainage of the land? In view of that would he not ask the Commissioners of Public Works to undertake a survey to carry out the drainage of the area?