asked the Minister for Finance the arterial drainage work which will be carried out by the Office of Public Works in 1988; if the design of schemes will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arterial Drainage.
8.
Construction works are in progress on arterial drainage schemes on the Boyle, Bonet and Monaghan Blackwater rivers and will continue in 1988.
Design work is in progress on schemes proposed for the Mulcair, Owenmore, Suir and Dunkellin rivers and this will also continue in 1988.
(Limerick East): Will the Minister say how many head of staff of the Office of Public Works are involved in design work?
I do not have that information with me but I can inform the Deputy that on the design work of the four rivers there are approximately ten head of staff, seven of whom are professionals.
(Limerick East): Will the Minister say when he expects the design work on the Mulcair catchment to be completed?
I am aware that the Deputy has a particular interest in this and it seems there were some unexpected changes made which were not consistent with the operation of arterial drainage works on these rivers in 1986. It is expected that the work will be concluded towards the end of 1988 or early 1989.
Will the Minister say what level of activity he envisages on the Boyle and Bonet rivers in 1988? Will it be at the same pace as it was up to August this year when short time was introduced?
There is a separate question on that matter on the Order Paper. The Government have provided in excess of £8 million for arterial drainage for 1988. I should like to assure the House that construction works will continue on the Boyle and Bonet schemes. All Government Departments, and State agencies, have to reduce their activity due to the financial position of the country and work on the schemes mentioned will also be at a reduced pace.