asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state in regard to the Multyfarnham-Crookedwood road, and the Mornington-Crookedwood road, which have been flooded and impassable since 17th November, 1965, what developments have taken place since a reply of 23rd February, 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath Flooding.
56.
The Westmeath County Council continue to give this matter close attention. A full solution of the flooding problem appears to be a matter for both the Office of Public Works and the council. I am satisfied that both bodies are in fact cooperating to that end.
Is the Minister aware that on 23rd February he told me he had word from the county engineer that they were working on it and that the flooding would be alleviated in one week? The week was up exactly one month ago but the flooding is still as bad as it was. Could the Minister get in touch with the county engineer and the Office of Public Works to see that something will be done? The small farmers there cannot get out to plough their land which is flooded. Furthermore, they have to travel up to seven and eight miles to get to land which is only 300 yards away from them. Grave inconvenience is experienced in the area as a result of this flooding.
The Deputy is making a speech.
It is disgraceful, in the twentieth century, that two main roads are flooded and impassable for four months of the year.