asked the Minister for Finance if owing to flooding in the recent storm with consequential damage to the river banks, the retaining trees and scrub, he will take immediate steps to have the river, from Bridgetown through Drumhorey to Murnagh in County Donegal, cleaned and cleared before next Spring, and thus enable the adjoining farms to be again cultivated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cleaning of Donegal River.
3.
I have been unable to trace any previous representations regarding this river, but if the landholders affected will make application under the Rural Improvements Scheme the matter will be investigated.
I do not think this would be a matter for a rural improvement scheme and I suggest that out of the small amount of funds available under the Local Authorities (Works) Act it would be more appropriate to undertake this drainage. Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary would look into it?
It is difficult, without inspection, to say whether the work would come within the scope of a rural improvements scheme. The upper limit there is set at £1,000. It might be the type of case which the Board of Works would consider as an intermediate river as, apart from the Bridgetown river, the Murnagh out-fall also takes the discharge from another branch, from Ballintra. I shall undertake to have the matter investigated and see if it can be classified as an intermediate river.
I am grateful to the Parliamentary Secretary, but might I remind him of the Latin proverb, “Bis dat qui cito dat”?