Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 4

Written Answers. - Boyle-Bonet Drainage Scheme.

Bertie Ahern

Ceist:

84 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance when the decision was taken to terminate the Boyle-Bonet drainage scheme; by whom the decision was made; the reasons for terminating the drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15636/95]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Coveney)

Two river catchments are referred to in the question. The Bonet drainage scheme was suspended in January 1992 following a decision taken by the then Minister for Finance in July 1991. This scheme was suspended for environmental and economic reasons. Nothing has changed in the meantime which would justify a resumption of the works.

A decision to terminate the Boyle drainage scheme by the end of 1995 was taken by the then Minister for Finance in May 1994 and was affirmed by the Minister for Finance in August 1995. This scheme is 86 per cent complete overall and the high cost of doing the remaining very small channels would far outweigh any benefits accruing to landowners. Work is expected to cease later this year.