asked the Minister for Finance when the drainage of the following rivers in County Monaghan is to be undertaken: (a) the Dromore and Finn, (b) the Fane, and (c) the Blackwater.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan River Drainage.
44.
I cannot say when drainage of these rivers will be undertaken. The position regarding them is as follows: —
The design of a scheme for the Erne Catchment, which includes the Dromore River is well advanced. Until the scheme has been put on exhibition and the other statutory requirements complied with, it will not be possible to say when works may start.
A joint survey of the Finn by the engineers of the Office of Public Works and the Northern Ministry of Finance was completed in September, 1967, and the design of a scheme is proceeding. Their report should be ready next year.
The Fane is No. 20 on the priority list of minor catchments to be dealt with under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, and it will be some years yet before it is reached in the programme.
As I told the Deputy on 12th October, 1966, the Northern authorities are dealing with the portion of the Blackwater north of the border in sections, commencing at the outfall into Lough Neagh. They do not expect to reach the border stretch for some years yet and the Office of Public Works then hope to join them in the survey of this section. When the border section is dealt with, the question of designing a scheme for Monaghan portion of the catchment will be taken up.
Am I to take it from that that there is no prospect with regard to any of those rivers or may I assume that the Erne and the Finn are due for early consideration or early operation?
As I told the Deputy, in regard to the scheme for the Erne, a survey has been made jointly by the Northern authorities and the Office of Public Works.
Does there appear any likelihood that the work might be done reasonably soon?
It has been surveyed and the results of the surveys are being processed with the object of carrying out a drainage scheme. It is too early as yet to say when the work will be commenced.
I hope it will be done before the Shannon.