asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in completing the drainage of the Kilroe river, Corrandulla, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway River.
43.
The Corrib-Headford drainage scheme which is now in progress includes the drainage of the Kilroe river. Work on the Kilroe river requires the removal of a mill weir and negotiations are in progress with the mill owner in relation to abolition of the water power with a view to an amicable arrangement. In any event, the drainage works will commence early next summer.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell me when the Office of Public Works were last in communication with the mill owner to try to settle the question there?
I have not got that information. I do not see the significance of the question. How does it relate to the scheme?
The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned in his reply that the drainage of this river was held up because of the fact that there was a mill in the way. In all probability the mill owner is looking for compensation because of a lack of water power when the river is drained. I do not know whether I should be explaining this to the Parliamentary Secretary. Perhaps he already knows about it.
We are in communication with the mill owner. If we have not come to an amicable arrangement with him when we are ready to go ahead he will be given an opportunity of going to arbitration. The scheme will commence next summer, in any event.
I asked the Parliamentary Secretary for the date of the last communication with the mill owner.
That is a separate question.
If the Deputy asks me that question next week I will answer it.