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Dáil Éireann - Volume 39 - 09 July, 1931 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Destruction of Crops in Cavan. Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Finance if he has received memorials from farmers in County Cavan giving particulars of losses they have sustained through the destruction of their crops by floods along the River Erne and its tributaries, and requesting that an inspector be sent to see and value the damage done, with a view to the Government rendering assistance; if it is the intention of the Government to accede to the memorialists' requests; and, if so, will prompt action be taken to relieve immediately the prevailing distress, and also secure the afflicted farmers against the consequences of a barren harvest. Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke 1725 Mr. Bourke: The Commissioners are preparing a detailed drainage scheme for the River Erne and its tributaries, [1725] including the Annalee River up as far as Bellanacargy Bridge. In connection with the proposed drainage of the Dromore River the Commissioners intend to make a detailed survey of that river, and they also propose to examine the Annalee River from Tullyvin to Bellanacargy Bridge. The Commissioners have received the memorial referred to in the question, but no petition under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925, has been presented to them in respect of the length of river concerned and, if a drainage scheme is desired, steps should be taken to have such a petition presented to the Cavan County Council without delay. I may add that it would not be possible to start actual drainage works in the area for a long time. The Land Commission is being asked for a report on the matter. Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon: The Parliamentary Secretary must be aware that the reply he has read is not an answer to the question on the Order Paper. Question 3 deals with the flooding of lands and the consequent damage and destruction of crops. It has nothing at all to do with drainage. Would the Parliamentary Secretary state what steps have been taken to meet the situation set out in the memorial sent in by the people whose land has been damaged? Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke: The Deputy must be aware that we cannot prevent flooding. The only way in which we can relieve a district from the effects of flooding is by drainage, and it takes a considerable time to carry out a drainage scheme. Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon: This question deals with crops that have been destroyed as a result of flooding. It is possible that this question was handed over to the wrong Department for reply. I understand that the memorial was addressed to the President. Mr. Cole Mr. Cole Mr. Cole: Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what he considers a reasonable time? Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke: It depends on the circumstances absolutely. Mr. Cole Mr. Cole 1726 Mr. Cole: Is the Parliamentary [1726] Secretary aware that this has been under consideration for the last six or seven years? Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke: It may have been under consideration for the last fifty years. Mr. Cole Mr. Cole Mr. Cole: And nothing done. Mr. G. Boland Mr. G. Boland Mr. G. Boland: In connection with the damage done to crops by flooding in various districts, can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is the intention of the Government to bring in a relief measure to deal with the situation? Such a measure is very urgently required. Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke: That could only be dealt with in a general way. Mr. Boland Mr. Boland Mr. Boland: Perhaps the Minister for Finance would look into it. Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon: Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Land Commission have sent a communication to a parish adjoining the one from which this memorial came requesting particulars of damage done, and that such particulars have been given in other parishes? Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke Mr. Bourke: I am not aware of that. Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon Mr. O'Hanlon: Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary to the Land Commission would explain how two Departments come to deal with the same thing? Dáil Éireann 39 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Destruction of Crops in Cavan. Questions 19310709
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