Would the section preclude the carrying out of work by drainers on a specific section of a river without the drawing up of a scheme? For example, on the river Blackwater at Fermoy there was an island below the bridge on the Lismore side for many years where works were not carried out, resulting in flooding every year in the town of Fermoy. The island was removed a couple of years ago and there has been no flooding since, other than a small amount this year. Does this section mean that if there was another silting up of the river at that point, a scheme would be required to carry out the necessary works?
SECTION 4.
Question proposed: "That section 4 stand part of the Bill."
The answer is yes to the Deputy's specific question. The Office of Public Works would have to produce a scheme and agree it, but I cannot see any reason why it could not take the kind of action required in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy.
Does the Bill enable the Office of Public Works to undertake work across land which is private property?
Yes.
Dublin Corporation had a case last year where the river behind my mother's house overflowed. It was cleared out but at one section a wall needed to be raised a few feet. One section of the wall was owned by Dublin Corporation but ownership of the other section was unclear. The part of the wall which was publicly owned was raised but the other part was left as it was. It was like building half a dam. Would a ridiculous situation such as that arise? Is it possible for the Office of Public Works to spend money, even though the property may be private?
Yes. There are references to vesting orders in the Bill as a quick and effective means of getting over the problems of acquisitions of land and so on.
How will the Office of Public Works be able to undertake this extra work given the reduction in its budget by 2 per cent?
The arterial schemes are coming to an end.
I understand that some of the budget is transferred to the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Is that correct?
Not with regard to this matter.
Overall?
No. The Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht has the policy direction as to how some of the money is spent, but the money remains with the Office of Public Works.
I submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister last week regarding the lower Clonbunnagh region at Athlone. I am not asking the Minister to drain the Shannon, but this region of Athlone has been subjected to severe flooding practically on an annual basis. Television pictures have shown people being transported by tractors and crops being washed away. Huge financial losses have been incurred. Hopefully, the Office of Public Works will examine the area with a view to producing a plan to deal with this matter. This is not an emergency situation as it happens on a regularly recurring basis.
I am pleased to see the Bill amended and compliment the Minister on this. Nevertheless it is important that as soon as the legislation is in place the Office of Public Works and the commissioners should begin examining areas such as Clonbunnagh, which are visible to the world by means of television and so on. While I appreciate the financial constraints, an effective plan must be put in place that will give some help and hope to those living in this area.
Local people should always be consulted because they know the lie of the land and of specific problems that go back generations. They could come forward with suggested solutions. Consultants have great expertise but local knowledge cannot be beaten in relation to drainage. While working as an agricultural consultant I always took into account what farmers told me, because it was very important. In developing a plan for this area it would be very worthwhile to consult local people whose knowledge could save a substantial sum for the Office of Public Works.
I assure the Deputy that the area about which he spoke will come within the remit of this amendment and that of the Office of Public Works. A priority list will be drawn up and consideration will certainly be given to that area.
I look forward to seeing it on the plan.
Were ten schemes not listed already under the revised Act?
There is a preliminary list of ten flood relief schemes.
The question is if there is any scheme in north Tipperary?
It is No. 3 and I intend to keep it there.
Is the Deputy referring to Newport?
I certainly am and it is on that list.
Question put and agreed to.