asked the Minister for Finance whether, further to replies of 15th November, 1961, 6th December, 1961, and 21st November, 1962, he will give an exact account of what positive action has been taken with a view to relieving flooding in the Tralee area, County Kerry, and to carrying out a scheme for the realignment and repair of the broken banks of the Lee since the dates of the previous replies; and whether, in stating on 21st November, 1962 that this flooding problem was complex and would require some years of study, he was aware that the banks of the river had been broken since the year 1926 and that therefore it was likely that his Department had had ample time to study the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief of Tralee Flooding.
6.
I am aware that the banks referred to have been broken since 1926 but I would like to point out that the Commissioners of Public Works have no responsibility in the matter. The River Lee catchment is listed for investigation in the programme of operations under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. In fact it is No. 19 in the list of minor catchments and in the ordinary course would not be reached for some years to come. The Commissioners were advised that the local authority proposed to proceed with a scheme in two stages for the relief of flooding of Tralee town. The first stage was completed in 1960 at a cost of about £25,000. In November, 1961, the Tralee urban district council informed the Commissioners that it was not proposed to proceed with the second stage, and, later, consultations with the Commissioners were requested. A deputation was received at which the problems of the River Lee above and in the town and their relationship were discussed and it was explained that it would be necessary to examine the effects of the works already carried out and to study these and other data over a number of years before a decision can be taken. This investigation is proceeding—water level gauges have been erected and tide levels and river discharges will continue to be recorded until the data are adequate to enable valid deductions to be drawn.
How long will that take?
It will take a few years yet.