asked the Minister for Finance if he has any proposals for the immediate drainage of the rivers Arrow (Unshin) and Avenmore, County Sligo; and, if so, when he proposes implementing them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of Sligo Rivers.
17.
The Commissioners of Public Works hope to commence an engineering survey of this catchment area in the next couple of years.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the same answer was given about 25 years ago in connection with the drainage of the Arrow? I should like to have a more detailed answer, if possible. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that one-third of the land of County Sligo is under-developed, due to water logging? It is very poor consolation to the people of the constituency of Sligo-Leitrim to watch jet aircraft overhead while they are dragging their hay from the water.
Is the Deputy asking a question?
I think what the Deputy wants to ask is this, if I may put a Supplementary Question: is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the answer he has just given was last given by the late Mr. Wyndham in the British House of Commons in 1903?
I am aware that the catchment area is No. 16 on the priority list of major catchments and I am not empowered to change the list in any way. I am also aware that this area drains over 160,000 acres.
It was No. 8 on Mr. Wyndham's list.
The Parliamentary Secretary is keeping in touch with Mr. Wyndham.