(Cavan) asked the Minister for Finance what progress has been made regarding the drainage of the Woodford canal, Ballyconnell, County Cavan, since his predecessor met a deputation of public representatives and others on the subject on the 12th June 1963; and if he will make a statement on the matter having regard to the importance of the drainage of this canal to the local farmers and to the tourist industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of County Cavan Canal.
124.
The Woodford Canal is in the Erne Catchment. The Erne is a large and complex catchment presenting many problems. It was explained to the deputation in 1963 that, when the Erne came to be considered under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, it was decided to survey in the first instance the main portion of the catchment entirely in our own territory and outfalling through Belturbet in order to avoid the delay and difficulties posed by border rivers such as the Woodford. The deputation was told also that the survey of the border rivers including the Woodford would be taken up when actual work had been started on the scheme for the area upstream of Belturbet.
The normal engineering survey for that project had at that time been carried out but, following discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in order to minimise interference with the fishing in the area, it was found necessary to make a special sounding survey of the lakes. That took almost a year and has now been completed and the results are being plotted and studied. The preparation of the scheme is proceeding and as promised the examination of the Woodford river will be taken up when works are in hands.
(Cavan): Would it be possible for the Parliamentary Secretary to give any reasonable forecast as to when this canal will be drained?
I wonder if Deputy Fitzpatrick heard the part of the reply which dealt with the sounding survey found necessary by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries? This survey is now being assessed and, therefore, it would be premature to make any prediction as to when work will start on the Woodford canal.
(Cavan): The Parliamentary Secretary's reply sounds a bit technical to me. I asked him if he could tell me and the people of the area in plain language when he thinks the canal might be drained, because that is what they are interested in.
I have nothing to add to the reply I have already made. I have no doubt Deputy Fitzpatrick will tell them when he thinks it will be done.