Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has plans for drainage of major rivers or waterways throughout the country either directly or though the local authorities. [2686/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of locations in respect of which he expects his Department to support local initiatives to alleviate flooding in urban and rural areas in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2860/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 160 together.

There are no plans for drainage for major rivers or waterways either directly or through local authorities other than maintenance of arterial drainage schemes previously completed.

The commissioners of public works work closely with local authorities in the areas where proposals to alleviate localised flooding are being contemplated or progressed. The commissioners expect to work with local authorities on initiatives for Kilkenny, Clonmel, Waterford, Carlow, the River Tolka in Counties Dublin, Meath and Fingal, Ennis, Mallow, Fermoy, Enniscorthy, Templemore, Arklow, Tullow and Mornington. These initiatives are at various stages of progress from feasibility study to execution of works.

The commissioners are also examining several other requests for assistance with flooding problems from local authorities and individuals but no decisions on funding have been made.