asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the serious hardship caused to farmers in the Hollymount, Claremorris, Kiltimagh and other areas in County Mayo as a result of flooding from the Robe and other rivers; and if he will indicate when drainage operations will commence on these schemes.

Further progress on the preparation of a number of drainage schemes including that for the Corrib/Mask/Robe catchment, which includes the Hollymount and Claremorris areas, must await the outcome of a cost/benefit study at present in progress. The Kiltimagh area is, in general, served by channels of the Moy drainage scheme completed last year.