asked the Minister for Finance if it is proposed to allocate a grant for the purpose of securing an effective outlet from Tacumshane lake, County Wexford.
48.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Lake Drainage.
47.
andMr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance what plans he has for dealing with the urgent drainage problem of Tacumshane Lake, County Wexford.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
The Commissioners of Public Works have no funds from which a grant for this work could be allocated.
In view of the large area of arable land dependent on the draining of this lake, surely the Minister has some fund at his disposal to deal with it?
I am afraid not.
Accepting the Minister's answer, what are all these people going to do? Their lands are more or less permanently flooded.
Flooding of land is a national problem and we have a system of priorities to which we endeavour to adhere. We cannot upset our system of priorities because of political pressure.
I do not want to press the question unduly but this land has been flooded for many years. Surely it must be reaching the top of the priority list by now?
I am afraid there is no money available.