asked the Minister for Finance whether he can state when the Castlebernard (Restoration) Drainage scheme will be proceeded with in Co. Offaly.

It is not proposed to restore the existing Castlebernard Drainage District under the Drainage Maintenance Act, 1924, as it is considered that the necessary works would be too costly to admit of their being carried out under that Act.

A petition under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, has been received by the Commissioners of Public Works from the Offaly County Council for a scheme, covering, with some extensions, the existing Castlebernard Drainage District. The Commissioners have prepared a scheme, which they hope to submit at an early date to the votes of the occupiers of affected lands.