asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the Irish Farmers Association survey on the drainage of the River Fane in 1978 which showed extensive flooding of thousands of acres of farmland in Counties Monaghan, Louth and Armagh; whether he is further aware that the Newry and Mourne District Councils have expressed their willingness to participate in the cross-border drainage project for this river; and whether he will arrange for the drainage proposals for the river to be taken out of the programme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, and submitted to the EEC by agreement with the Northern authorities as a cross-border drainage project for special aid.
Written Answers. - River Fane Flooding.
846.
I am aware of the survey referred to and of the interest of the Newry and Mourne District Council in the drainage of the Fane Catchment.
It is not proposed to change the position of the catchment in the Arterial Drainage Programme. However it will be considered for inclusion in the drawing up of any priority programme for cross-Border drainage schemes in the event of further funds being made available from EEC sources for the drainage of such rivers.