Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1970 > Committee of Public Accounts > Interim and Final Report - Appropriation Accounts 1967 - 1968

APPENDIX 35.

LAND PROJECT—STANDARDS, PROCEDURES, ETC.

The position in so far as field drains grant-aided from Land Project funds is concerned is that there are no statutory regulations governing the depth of such drains. Field drains may vary from 18 inches up to 48 inches depending on the type of drainage problem met with in the field.

The Agricultural Institute Station, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim is the only research station engaged in a study of drainage problems, relative to Drumlin-type soils, which are undeniably the most difficult of all soils to improve by way of drainage. The Land Project is in regular touch with An Foras Talúntais in relation to its drainage research results. In so far as Drumlin soils are concerned no recommendations have been made to the Land Project by An Foras in regard to a specific drain depth for such soils. The field officers of the Land Project have over the years acquired a wide experience of the major drainage problems in their districts and their experience of Drumlin soils would seem to indicate that catchment drains at about 21 inches deep with porous fill together with mole drains made at a suitable time give best all-round results.

Surface drains involving the cutting of shallow surface channels (6-9 inches deep) with a plough are not eligible for grant under the Land Project. The purpose of such drains is to cater for the fast run-off of surface water such as normally occurs in the Drumlin areas, but the life of such drains is very limited as they have no protection from livestock and are quickly overgrown and rendered ineffective by grass, weed growth, etc.

An Roinn Talmhaíochta agus Iascaigh

5Meitheamh, 1970.