asked the Minister for Finance if he will give consideration to a revision of the drainage scheme priority list as dealt with under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arterial Drainage Schemes.
201.
It is not proposed to revise the established priority lists.
202.
asked the Minister for Finance what major drainage schemes are to be undertaken under arterial drainage; what plans he has to undertake on a large scale minor drainage of rivers which are causing serious flooding in many parts of the country; the areas in which he plans to carry out such work; and when it is hoped to undertake these urgentlyneeded minor drainage works on a large scale.
The programme of arterial drainage works is covered by the published priority lists of major and minor catchments. While the need for drainage in smaller catchments is appreciated it is considered that best use can be made of available resources and the national drainage problem more quickly resolved by concentrating on the catchments included in the published lists. The work in the listed catchments will take many years and it is too early to say when a programme for the smaller catchments may be considered.
203.
asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to commence work on the drainage of the Shannon; if this work has been put off indefinitely; and if he will make a general statement in regard to same.
The investigation of the Shannon flood problem is proceeding. This is one of the biggest single engineering projects ever undertaken in this country. There is so much involved that it is not practicable at this juncture to say when final proposals can be formulated.
204.
asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to carry out a comprehensive drainage scheme on the River Nore; and if he will make a general statement on this matter.
A survey of the Nore catchment, which will take several years to complete, was begun this year. At this stage it would be premature to say when a scheme might be started.
205.
asked the Minister for Finance if money will be provided for the cleaning of the river flowing through Tullamore town and convenient to a hotel premises (name supplied); and if he will make full inquiries in this matter urgently.
The Commissioners of Public Works maintain this river as a channel of the Brosna catchment drainage scheme. They are not empowered to incur expenditure on any other cleaning of the river.
What way does the Parliamentary Secretary suggest that it should be done?
I understand it is a matter of pollution. Unfortunately, the Office of Public Works has no power to do this work. I think it would probably have to be tackled by the local authority.
The local authority cannot provide money for this work because of the discontinuance of the Local Authorities (Works) Act, and although that Act is in existence no money is being provided. Can the Parliamentary Secretary suggest any ways and means by which work of this kind can be undertaken?
I think it is work which Bord Fáilte might consider making a grant for because it does affect the tourist amenities of the town.
I should be pleased to approach Bord Fáilte and I shall tell them that I am doing so at the suggestion of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance.
206.
asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to carry out the drainage of Ballyfinboy river on the border of Tipperary and Offaly as it is of great concern to the landowners in both counties whose lands are subject to serious flooding from this river; whether special priority will be given in view of the large area affected; and whether the work will be carried out without delay.
It is not possible to say when a drainage scheme for Ballyfinboy catchment will be carried out.
207.
asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the recurring flooding with the consequent serious losses to those who live in the Blackwater valley, especially to urban dwellers in Mallow and Fermoy, he will expedite arrangements for the commencement of the arterial drainage of the river; and when this most urgent work will be put in hand.
The Blackwater is included in the priority list of major catchments and will be dealt with in its turn but I cannot say at this stage when it can be reached in the arterial drainage programme.