asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the dates (1) when the survey of the River Boyne commenced, (2) when it is expected to be completed, and (3) very approximately when, progress being as satisfactory as anticipated and there being no insurmountable objections to the scheme, work may be expected to commence so as to alleviate the serious flooding in North West Kildare arising from the Boyne itself and its tributary the Blackwater.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Survey of River Boyne.
An engineering survey of the Boyne catchment for the purposes of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, was commenced in May, 1956, and is expected to be completed by the end of 1959. A valuation survey has not yet been commenced. When the results of both surveys are available, the design of a scheme and the preparation of an estimate of cost will be put in hands, but it will be a considerable time before the necessary information is available to enable a decision to be reached as to whether the further steps required by the Act should be taken. I am not at this stage prepared to indicate a date for commencement of works.