asked the Minister for Local Government the action his Department intends taking in relation to the flooding of the Blackwater River in (1) Mallow, and (2) Fermoy, County Cork.

Remedial action for the relief of flooding is a matter for the local authority. Subsidy is available from my Department towards the cost of approved schemes for the relief of flooding in urban areas carried out under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948.