I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
The Land Commission scheme for amelioration of conditions in the Shannon Valley is not a scheme of flood control but is aimed at giving relief from the hazards of flooding, in so far as this can be done, by the provision of new buildings on higher sites, together with dry stands for stock against the risk of abnormal floods.
Continuous progress is being made towards implementation of the scheme. The Land Commission have had conditions in the Shannon Valley under observation in the light of the recent flooding and are satisfied that no major revision in their main proposals is necessary, apart from review of building sites proposed by the landholders in about 4 per cent. of the cases.
New or reconstructed dwellinghouses are already well under way for some 75 farmers in four counties, while other projected works are under contracts. Altogether, buildings are proposed for some 100 farmers in the vulnerable stretches of the Shannon Valley, and, in addition, the improvement of approach roads is being undertaken.
The migration of a limited number of landholders to other counties is also involved and, to date, five such exchanges have been carried out. Allotments of land on higher ground as secure stands for stock have already been provided for 30 farmers and proposals for further similar allotments are being examined.
Expenditure to date has been £30,000. The rate of progress necessarily will depend on landholders, contractors etc. but, granted full cooperation, the Land Commission are hopeful that the Scheme will be substantially completed by the end of the present year.