asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that owing, to the recent heavy rain and obstructions on the banks of the Annagh-Newport River which flows through the counties of Limerick and Tipperary there is very severe flooding in this area; whether there is any scheme in preparation for the cleaning of this river; and, if so, when such scheme will be put into operation.

Drainage of the Annagh and Newport rivers can be undertaken by the Commissioners of Public Works only by way of comprehensive scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the Mulkear catchment in which they lie. The Mulkear is scheduled for treatment but it will be some time yet before it can be reached in the programme.