asked the Minister for Finance (a) if he will outline the progress made towards the attainment of arterial drainage of the River Suir and its tributaries; (b) if he will indicate the current position of the project, especially as to when the work in question is expected to commence; (c) the total expenditure incurred to date on the project, as well as the total cost of those stages of work yet to be carried out; (d) the reasons for the delay in carrying out the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - River Suir Arterial Drainage Scheme.
605.
Field surveys of the Suir catchment have been completed and a considerable amount of the design of an arterial drainage scheme has been undertaken at a cost to date of approximately £340,000. Work on the design has been suspended following a Government decision to halt all arterial drainage planning pending the outcome of a review of arterial drainage policy. The review, undertaken by the Commissioners of Public Works, is under consideration prior to submission of proposals to the Government. Pending the Government's decision, I am not in a position to say when a scheme for the Suir catchment might be undertaken or what further costs are likely to be involved.