Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1985

Vol. 361 No. 8

Written Answers. - Meath Bridges Upkeep and Arterial Drainage.

126.

Mr. Hilliard

asked the Minister for Finance who will be responsible for the financing of: (1) the maintenance of existing drains, streams and rivers, (2) drainage work and maintenance of new drains, streams and rivers, (3) uncompleted work; and (4) approved work not commenced in County Meath, now that the Boyne drainage scheme, Newtown, Trim, has been severely curtailed in this type of work due to its closure and if finance will be provided by State funds, by local authority funds or by a joint finance effort.

127.

Mr. Hilliard

asked the Minister for Finance who will be responsible for the cost and upkeep of the many bridges in County Meath which were underpinned by the Board of Works if these bridges are later found to be incapable of servicing the ever-increasing heavy traffic using them now that the Board of Works in Trim, County Meath has ceased operations in this area; and if finance will be provided by State funds, by local authority funds or by a joint financing arrangement.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Dukes)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

It is expected that the Boyne drainage scheme will be completed in early 1986. All the scheme works, carried out by the Commissioners of Public Works, will be maintained to the required standard by the commissioners, in accordance with the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. As required by the Act, the maintenance costs, incurred by the commissioners, will be recovered from the relevant county councils. The funding or execution of any other works is a matter for the appropriate parties concerned.