asked the Minister for Finance whether he can state if the Dalgan and Sinking River Scheme (Co. Galway) has been finally approved of; and, if so, when drainage operations are expected to begin.

The Commissioners of Public Works have had the Dalgan and Sinking Rivers district inspected by an engineer. On consideration of the engineer's report they wrote to the Galway County Council regarding the effect which a drainage scheme for the district would have on the lower reaches of the Clare-Dalgan River, especially in the Dunmore Drainage District and pending a reply have postponed the detailed investigation of the proposal. In any event, until a drainage scheme has been prepared and submitted to the votes of the occupiers of affected lands it will not be possible to state when, if at all, drainage works are likely to start in the district.

A copy of the Commissioner's letter to the County Council was sent to each Deputy from County Galway, on the 21st instant.