asked the Minister for Finance when the promised drainage of (a) the Shannon and (b) the Suck will be carried out.
117.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon and Suck Drainage.
116.
asked the Minister for Finance what is the position in regard to the Government's plans for the drainage of the River Shannon; and if it is likely that there will be some development in regard to this matter during the coming year.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
As already announced it has been necessary to postpone the special programme for drainage of the Shannon. As an earnest of the Government's intentions to proceed with the scheme when circumstances permit it is intended to make a start on the survey work this year.
A scheme for the Suck must await developments in relation to the main Shannon.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that promises were made at every general election since 1932 that Fianna Fáil would clean the Shannon and is he aware that a definite promise was made to do so before the by-election at which Deputy Mrs. Burke was elected in 1954? The people were told that survey work had been completed and that the areas affected would be drained immediately.
I am aware that this question has been answered in great detail several times in the House. However, it is no harm to refresh Deputy L'Estrange's memory. The reason the drainage scheme was not gone ahead with last year——
There was a by-election in Kerry and you had to build a bridge there instead—Valentia Bridge.
——was that conditions did not permit us to start the work. However, a beginning is being made this year and a special allocation will be available for that purpose.
May we take it that the next statement in connection with the River Shannon will be made early in the last week in June—the week during which the Minister has announced the local elections will be held?
The Deputy's supplementary is based on his disappointment that something is being done.