asked the Minister for Finance whether he is as yet in a position to state whether the representations from the Lough Gara and Mantua Drainage Board have yet come to hand, and whether a decision as to the ultimate scope of the scheme has yet been reached.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lough Gara and Mantua Drainage Board Representations.
As the Deputy was informed on 2nd inst. the representations from the Lough Gara and Mantua Drainage Board have been received.
The Commissioners of Public Works have informed the Lough Gara and Mantua Drainage Board and the two county councils concerned that they propose to send an engineer at an early date to investigate the feasibility of the suggested additions to the Boyle River (Lough Gara) drainage scheme.
No decision as to the ultimate scope of the scheme has yet been reached.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not in a position to give the House any forecast of how long it will take to complete the necessary survey and the necessary deliberation before determining whether the original scheme will be pushed through, or whether an amplified scheme will be embarked on?
It will not take one day longer than the minimum time required.
The Parliamentary Secretary is prone to giving smart answers of a rather ridiculous kind. I have asked him a civil question. Can he forecast approximately how long the necessary enquiries and consideration will take? Will it be a matter of months, or possibly a year?
I cannot tell. There are a whole series of people mixed up in this. All I can tell the Deputy is that there will be no delay which can be avoided.