75 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Finance the funding provided in each of the years from 1995 to date in 1997 to relieve problems associated with the flood on the Nanny River, Duleek, County Meath; the progress, if any, which has been made to date on the relief scheme; the future timescale and funding proposals in respect of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9577/97]

Funding was provided from the £1 million provided in subhead L1 of the Vote for the Office of Public Works in each of the years 1995 and 1996 to enable the preparation of a design of a drainage scheme for the alleviation of localised flooding from the Nanny and Paramaddan Rivers in Duleek, County Meath. The public consultation process for the Nanny River (Duleek) Certified Drainage Scheme, including exhibition of the scheme documentation as required by the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, was completed in February 1997. The observations received from interested parties, including Meath County Council, have now been considered and it is expected that the statutory procedures for the scheme will be finalised shortly with a view to commencing works on site in early May. A provision has been made in subhead H2 of the 1997 Estimates for the Office of Public Works to enable the Nanny River (Duleek) Certified Drainage Scheme to be carried out this year.