asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to commence drainage work on the Ballyfinboy river, County Tipperary.

29.

asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to carry out the drainage of Ballyfinboy river on the border of Tipperary and Offaly as it is of great concern to the landowners in both counties whose lands are subject to serious flooding from this river; whether special priority will be given to this case in view of the large area of land affected; and whether the work will be carried out without delay.

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, to answer Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.

I cannot yet say when the drainage of the Ballyfinboy River can be carried out.

30.

asked the Minister for Finance if a special grant can be made available to Laois County Council for drainage of the Oweness river which has caused severe flooding to the town and to the roads and lands in the area of Mountmellick, County Laois; and if urgent consideration will be given to this matter in view of the widespread public concern.

The Commissioners of Public Works have no funds from which they could make a grant to Laois County Council for the drainage of the Oweness River.

31.

asked the Minister for Finance what are the prospects of completing the drainage of the River Nanny which is a tributary of the Corrib, County Galway.

As I explained to the Deputy in reply to previous questions these works have had to be deferred until a scheme for a new water supply to the town of Tuam has been dealt with by Galway County Council.

Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply——

The Deputy is getting active. He must think there is an election coming up.

I am sure of it. Would the Parliamentary Secretary ask Galway County Council to have this drainage work carried out with a view to solving the Tuam water problem?

We have been pressing Galway County Council to get on with this job. At the request of Deputy Donnellan, I will see that the request is repeated.