asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that petitions and resolutions requesting the drainage of the Clare-Dalgan River were forwarded by the Mayo, Galway and Roscommon County Councils to the Commissioners of Public Works over three years ago, and if he will state if the Commissioners of Public Works are proceeding with the preparation of a scheme for the drainage of that river.

The Commissioners of Public Works received petitions from the Mayo, Galway and Roscommon County Councils regarding the drainage of the Clare-Dalgan River. An engineering survey of the district has been made and a detailed valuation is in hand. Until the report on the valuation has been received and considered it will not be possible to say whether an economic scheme can be formulated. The valuer is being asked to expedite his report.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary state if there has been any guarantee asked from the County Councils of Roscommon, Galway and Mayo for this work?

I think that would have to wait on our actually getting the valuation of this scheme so as to see what the value was. There is no doubt at all that if the scheme is carried on contributions will be required from the three county councils. The Deputy may take that for certain.