asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the very serious flooding which has taken place in the East Limerick area, he proposes to have any emergency work carried out pending the commencement of the Mulcair arterial drainage scheme; and, if not why.

166.

asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the drainage of the Mulcair catchment area; and when work is likely to commence.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

Progress is being made on the design of a drainage scheme for the Mulcair catchment under the Arterial Drainage Ace, 1945. However, I am not in a position to say when the design will be completed. In the meantime, the Office of Public Works have no powers or funds to carry out any emergency works in advance of a comprehensive scheme under the Act.