asked the Minister for Finance if he has received complaints of wells in Counties Meath and Kildare being affected by the Boyne arterial drainage scheme; and if he will state what his Department propose to do to prevent the drying up of wells as a result of the scheme operations.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath and Kildare Wells.
36.
Some complaints have been received. Genuine spring wells should not be affected by drainage operations and the Commissioners of Public Works have no legal liability for the behaviour of springs. However, in any case where the failure of a well is assuredly attributable to the Boyne drainage works a contribution has been or will be made towards its restoration.
I am aware that in one case the Parliamentary Secretary has done a good job. However, is he not aware that if the river is deepened below the level of the spring well the water must leave the well? If complaints are brought to his notice, will he take the same steps as he did at Bective?
We will have to examine each case on its merits. However, as the Deputy is aware one of the wells was 160 feet deep and it went dry.
It does not happen in all cases, as the Parliamentary Secretary knows.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state how many complaints he has received?
We have received 27.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that he told me on 28th July, 1970, that he did not expect this problem would be widespread? Does he consider 27 complaints to be widespread incidence of the problem?
In 15 of the cases liability has been denied, in seven cases compensation has been or is being paid, and five are being investigated.