asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline for the years 1982 and 1984 the total amount of money being spent on studies for the Dunkellin-Lavally river catchments in County Galway; the number of staff employed on each particular study; the date on which these studies will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the up-to-date situation pertaining to these catchments.
Written Answers. - River Catchment Studies.
466.
In 1982 expenditure totalling £15,100 was incurred on the specialist studies commissioned by the Office of Public Works on the Dunkellin-Lavally river catchments in County Galway. A sum of £150,000 has been allocated in the Vote for Public Works and Buildings to meet the cost of these studies in 1984.
As I indicated in replies to previous questions on 6 December 1983 and 31 January 1984 the Commissioners of Public Works have no function in the staffing of these specialist studies which are expected to be completed by mid 1985. Pending completion of the studies and the outcome of the review of arterial drainage policy I am not in a position to say when the design of schemes for the Dunkellin-Lavally catchments might be completed.