73 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Finance when the feasibility study with regard to new drainage programmes will be completed; and when the report will be published. [4227/96]

74 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Finance when the feasibility study with regard to new drainage programmes will be completed; and when the report will be published. [4228/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together. The current drainage programme drawn up following the passing of the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act, 1995 comprises consideration of schemes for eight areas around the country which suffer periodical localised flooding. The eight areas are Carlow, Cappamore/ Newport, Duleek, Dunmanway, Gort, Kilkenny, Sixmilebridge and Williamstown. The resources of the Office of Public Works are being concentrated on devising schemes for these areas which will alleviate the flooding problems. The planning of the scheme at Sixmilebridge is at an advanced stage. It is expected the scheme will be exhibited within the next few weeks. The period for exhibition of the scheme and submission of observations is four weeks. If there are no objections it would be expected that works would commence shortly thereafter.

Now that schemes for all the areas are at preparation stage it is proposed to prepare a priority list of other areas throughout Ireland which suffer flooding on a regular basis. The Commissioners of Public Works have accorded a very high priority to the preparation of the priority list and while it is not possible at this stage to say when it will be prepared and published, this will be done as early as possible.