66 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Finance the applications, if any, Meath County Council has made for funding in 1996 under Vote 10, L1 and L2 to remedy the flooding problems in Duleek, County Meath which has occurred in recent years; and if so, the current position regarding these applications. [3014/96]

There is an adequate provision in the £1 million allocation in Subhead L1 of Vote 10 to complete the investigations required in connection with the preparation of the proposed flood-relief scheme in Duleek, County Meath. The costs of any scheme works in 1996 will be met from subhead L2.

The total provision in subhead L2 is £3.5 million. There are sufficient funds available in the subhead to meet all other costs arising on the Duleek scheme this year.

A preliminary report on the proposed flood-relief scheme is being examined at present and an Environmental Impact Assessment is being carried out.

It is anticipated at this stage that work on the scheme will commence towards the end of this year.