asked the Minister for Finance if he will state, in relation to the arterial drainage scheme of the Owenmore and Arrow Rivers, County Sligo: (i) when the survey commenced; (ii) when the survey was completed; (iii) the acreage affected in the catchment area of both rivers; (iv) the rivers that are subject to arterial drainage at present and how long it will take to complete each of these; (v) the number of rivers on the priority list before Owenmore/Arrow is reached; (vi) the stage planning has reached in respect of the arterial drainage of the Ownermore and Arrow; (vii) the amount of money that has been allocated for arterial drainage schemes this year, and (viii) if there is a possibility of getting money from EEC sources towards drainage schemes in handicapped areas.

The answers to the queries are as follows: (i) 1963; (ii) 1973; (iii) 21,000 acres approximately; (iv) Boyne Catchment and Maigue Catchment programmed to be completed in 1983 and 1984 respectively; (v) no decision has been made yet as to the further catchments that will be drained; (vi) the design stage; (vii) £3,125,000; (viii) arterial drainage schemes have not been deemed eligible for assistance from EEC funds.