Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to have the banks of the River Inny, opposite Ballycroughy, attended to as the area adjacent to the said River Inny, known as the Matt Road, is completely covered with bushes and briars, making it impossible for cattle and sheep to pass; if, in this context, same will be cleared up as it is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15075/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commissioners of Public Works have responsibility, under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, to maintain the River Inny in proper repair and effective condition. This involves the removal of deposits from the river bed avoiding, where possible, any damage to trees, shrubs and groundcover on the banks and bank slopes. In some cases removal of vegetation on the bank is unavoidable. However, for environmental reasons, the removal of vegetation is limited to what is necessary to carry out maintenance.

The maintenance of the banks and the removal of vegetation growing on them is not the responsibility of the commissioners.