asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to drain the River Suir, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage Schemes.
135.
Mr. Kenny
Since the same question was asked on 14th November, 1973, progress continues to be made with the investigation of this catchment but it is still not possible to indicate when works might commence.
136.
asked the Minister for Finance if drainage of the Owenmore and Arrow in County Sligo might be expedited by having recourse to EEC funds.
137.
asked the Minister for Finance the stage now reached by drainage engineering investigations at Owenmore and Arrow, County Sligo; and how long these investigations will take.
Mr. Kenny
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 136 and 137 together.
An engineering survey of the Owenmore, including the Lough Arrow catchment, has been completed and the processing of data is proceeding with a view to seeing whether a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, would be feasible. A preliminary engineering report and estimate will not be ready for some years. At present no financial aid is available from EEC funds for arterial drainage, but the matter is being kept under observation.
138.
asked the Minister for Finance the rivers at present on the priority list of the Office of Public Works for drainage under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945; the place number of each catchment area on the list; and the date on which each such area was put on the list.
Mr. Kenny
The list, which is extant since November, 1959, is composed of two categories—major catchments of over 100,000 acres and minor catchments of under 100,000 acres. The major set was published in the Dáil on 8th March, 1961, and both on 7th February, 1963. For convenience I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to have the list circulated with the Official Report.
Following are the lists:—
Major Catchments (Over 100,000 acres):
1. Brosna
2. Glyde and Dee
3. Feale
4. Corrib
5. Maine
6. Moy
7. Inny
8. Suck
9. Boyne
10. Erne
11. Little Brosna
12. Deel (Limerick)
13. Boyle
14. Maigue
15. Suir
16. Owenmore (Sligo)
17. Mulkear
18. Nore
19. Blackwater (Monaghan)
20. Fergus
21. Liffey
22. Blackwater (Cork)
23. Barrow
24. Lee (Cork)
25. Bandon
26. Finn
27. Laune
28. Slaney
Minor Catchments (Under 100,000 acres):
1. Nenagh River
2. Ballyteige
3. Cahore
4. Broadmeadow
5. Killimor
6. Quinn
7. Owenkeagh
8. Bonet
9. Strokestown
10. Dunkellin
11. Inagh
12. Scarriff
13. Rinn and Black River
14. Nanny
15. Longford
16. Sow
17. Ballinhassig
18. Lavally
19. Lee (Kerry)
20. Fane
21. Sixmilebridge
22. Elphin
23. Eslin
24. Foyle
25. Leannan
26. Erriff
27. Tolka
28. Owenea
29. Owenmore (Mayo)
30. Swilly
139.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider giving a special grant this year towards drainage in the west of Ireland in view of the complete lack of drainage for many years past; and if he will consider giving a grant to drain into the sea a small lake in the Cliffony area, County Sligo, which now floods 200 acres.
Mr. Kenny
There are no funds at the disposal of the Commissioners of Public Works out of which such a grant could be made. It is firm policy accepted by successive Governments that the national arterial drainage programme should proceed on a catchment basis in accordance with established priority lists. These lists cater very generously for western areas. The small catchment to which the Deputy has referred specifically is not a listed priority. It would not be possible to say when it may be reached in the arterial drainage programme.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if he has any plans to drain the main arteries of any of the rivers in the west?
Mr. Kenny
The next one on the list is the third phase of the Corrib drainage.
140.
asked the Minister for Finance if a scheme for draining the River Shannon or any of its tributaries by utilising the major lakes may be introduced in the foreseeable future.
Mr. Kenny
It has been found possible to carry out a number of arterial drainage schemes on large tributaries in the Shannon basin and others are being or will be considered. However the drainage of the Shannon itself and certain backwatered tributaries would be a big project and immensely costly. Having regard to very important other demands on capital resources I cannot say when it could materialise.
141.
asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will concentrate its future drainage efforts on the main river channels; and if he will expand the Land Project Scheme.
Mr. Kenny
It has been the policy of successive Governments that the arterial drainage schemes which are carried out by the Commissioners of Public Works under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, as a national charge should include all the arterial drainage channels in a catchment in so far as this is practicable. Subject to cost/benefit ratios being favourable it is expedient that arterial drainage schemes should be carried out in this way and maintained by a single drainage authority as recommended by the drainage commissioner.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree there were some investigations owing to a possible change in policy before he assumed office?
Mr. Kenny
There were.
Has no progress been made on that yet?
Mr. Kenny
Not yet.
142.
asked the Minister for Finance if he anticipates any change in the priorities of the major schemes for arterial drainage as a result of the cost/benefit analyses being carried out at present.
Mr. Kenny
No change can be predicted; but it is the intention that each drainage scheme when it has been formulated will be subjected to a cost/benefit study to decide if it is a worth while State capital investment.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say when the results of this cost/benefit study will be known?
Mr. Kenny
Each catchment area must be done separately.
Yes but when will the result of those already done be known and published?
Mr. Kenny
The Maigue drainage scheme has now started but the cost/ benefit survey for that scheme has not been finalised yet. It should be finished within a month.
The Parliamentary Secretary told me that in September.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary be prepared to supply Deputies with a copy of one of these cost/benefit studies or at least give us a sample of the nature of the procedure in this cost/benefit analysis?
Mr. Kenny
Yes, I will do that if it is possible.
If possible, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider giving us a description of one which has actually been carried out and the result?
Mr. Kenny
Yes, if at all possible Deputies will get it.
143.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider placing the River Lee, Tralee, County Kerry first on the priority list for dredging as this river is responsible for much of the flooding in Tralee town.
Mr. Kenny
It is not proposed to alter the priority lists which have been upheld by successive Governments. There are, as all members of this House are aware, very many catchments throughout the country which are badly suffering from want of drainage. Adherence to established priorities is the best way of ensuring an orderly operational programme. I would also stress that the prime purpose of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 is the relief of agricultural land but in view of the representations made concerning serious damage by flooding to the town of Tralee and as an exceptional measure, I have asked the Office of Public Works to advise the local authority, in so far as they may find themselves placed to do so, upon such schemes as may be suggested for the relief of urban flooding.