asked the Minister for Finance if he will make the maintenance of the Moy drainage scheme, County Mayo a national charge as the Mayo ratepayers had to pay the highest rate, at £7.25, in the State last year and are being asked this year to pay 40p in the £ for maintenance of the Moy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moy Drainage Scheme.
69.
The Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 provides that the costs of maintenance of completed drainage works should be borne by the county councils concerned and it is not proposed to amend this provision.
In the current financial year no demand in respect of drainage maintenance of the Moy has to be met by the Mayo County Council. A demand has been made for payment in 1972-3 of the estimated cost of drainage maintenance in that year. An additional demand will also be made in 1972-3 for the ascertained actual cost of drainage maintenance during the year 1971-2 as from the date in 1971 on which the Moy scheme was completed. In each subsequent year, of course, a demand for only one year's maintenance will have to be met.
Is the Minister aware that County Mayo ratepayers are particularly concerned about their increased rate this year especially under the Health Act? We have the highest rate in Ireland and, I think, in the world, at £7.25. This year it will be practically £9. Is the Minister aware that the small towns in Mayo which did not benefit by this scheme will have to pay this money? Mayo County Council in particular and also Sligo County Council are very anxious that this should be made a national charge. Would the Minister consider making all maintenance of arterial drainage schemes a national charge?
I think I have already informed the House that the whole matter of arterial drainage is now under review and this will take considerable time. The cost of maintenance is very small in relation to the £5.8 million capital cost already invested by the State.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary try to amend the Act?
This will be done after a certain survey now in progress has been completed. The Government will then consider the general position.
As the whole matter of arterial drainage is under review could the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication that this will be stepped up in the coming year, or if more work will be done because, in my opinion, it is almost at a complete standstill?
It is most unlikely.
(Cavan)): The question is confined to schemes in County Mayo.
The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned that the matter is under review. Is he aware that thousands of farmers cannot avail of the land reclamation grants because of the condition of some of our rivers and streams?
I am aware of the situation but I cannot hold out hope that we could finish a survey like this in time for the coming financial year whatever about the prospects for 1973-74.