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Uimhir 33 de 1925.
ACHT DRÉINEÁLA AIRTÉIRIGHE, 1925.
Míniú.
1.—(1) San Acht so—
cialluíonn an focal “na Coimisinéirí” Coimisinéirí na nOibreacha Puiblí in Éirinn;
foluíonn an focal “dréineáil” dréineáil le taosca, ina aonar no maraon le slí eile, agus is dá réir sin a léireofar gach focal atá gaolmhar leis;
na focail uile le n-a gcuirtar bríonna speisialta leis an Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, isiad na bríonna speisialta a tugtar dóibh amhlaidh atá leo fé seach.
(2) I ngach tagairt san Acht so do thailte a dréineáladh no a moltar a dhréineáil, no do thailte a feabhsuíodh no a tairbhíodh le dréineáil no a moltar a fheabhsú no a thairbhiú amhlaidh, folóidh an focal “tailte” tailte, foirgintí, agus áitreabhacha de gach saghas, i mbaile no ar tuath.
Féadfidh sealbhairí rátuithe comhairle chontae d'achuingí.
2.—(1) Aon tseisear no níos mó, eadhon, sealbhairí rátuithe tailte atá i mbaol a dtuilithe no a ndíobhála o uisce no is féidir a fheabhsú le dréineáil, no daoine gur ar iontaoibh no chun tairbhe dhóibh atá aon tailte den tsórt san ar seilbh ag á sealbhairí rátuithe, féadfid a iarraidh ar chomhairle na contae no ar chomhairlí fé seach na gcontaethe uile agus fé seach ina luíonn na tailte sin a chur fé ndeár go ndéanfar oibreacha dréineála chun na tailte sin do dhréineáil no d'fheabhsú agus a chur fé ndeár go ndéanfar ceanntar dreineála fé leith de sna tailte sin, i dteanta no d'éamais tailte eile i gcomhursanacht na dtailte sin.
(2) Is le hachuinge a tíolacfar chun na comhairle contae a déanfar gach iarratas chun comhairle contae fén alt so, agus beidh gach achuinge den tsórt san i scríbhinn, i pé fuirm a ordóidh na Coimisinéirí, agus déarfar inti i dtéarmaí generálta cadiad na hoibreacha dréineála a moltar léi a dhéanamh agus beidh mapa ceangailte dhi ag taisbeáint na dtailte go moltar léi ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh díobh.
(3) I gcás na dtailte go moltar le haon achuinge den tsort san ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh díobh do bheith suidhte i níos mó ná aon chontae amháin, tíolacfar an achuinge do chomhairle gach contae ina luíonn aon chuid de sna tailte sin agus san d'ainneoin gan an chuid de sna tailte sin atá ar seilbh ag na hachuingeoirí do bheith ag dul isteach i ngach contae den tsórt san.
An nós-imeachta a leanfidh comhairle chontae ar fháil achuinge dhi.
3.—(1) Déanfidh gach comhairle dá dtíolacfar achuinge fén Acht so an achuinge sin do chur fé bhráid an tsuirbheura chontae chun a thuarasgabháil d'fháil ar thréithe generálta na molta atá san achuinge.
(2) Chun tuarasgabháil den tsórt san roimhráite do dhéanamh beidh teideal ag an suirbhéir contae agus ag á chongantóirí chun dul isteach gach tráth réasúnta ar na tailte dá dtagartar san achuinge agus ar pé tailte eile ina gcomhursanacht san is dó leis-sean no leo-san is gá agus fós in aon áitreabh ar aon tailte den tsórt san agus pé lorgaireachtaí agus nithe do dhéanamh san áit sin a chífar do-san no dhóibh-sean a bheith riachtanach chun an tuarasgabháil sin do dhéanamh.
(3) Ar fháil tuarasgabháil an tsuirbheura chontae ar an achuinge sin dóibh breithneoidh an chomhairle an achuinge sin agus an tuarasgabháil sin ag cruinniú gur tugadh fógra seacht lá ar a luíod ina thaobh do gach ball fé leith agus féadfid, más oiriúnach leo é, rún do rith—
(a) á rá go bhfuilid sásta leis na molta atá san achuinge no á fhaisnéis nách mór tuille fiosrúcháin do dhéanamh ionta, agus in aon chás acu san
(b) á iarraidh ar na Coimisinéirí na molta san do scrúdú agus féachaint ar cheart scéim dhréineála d'ullamhú agus ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh chun éifeacht do thabhairt do sna molta san, agus
(c) á thógaint ortha féin, má dintar ceanntar dréineála fé leith de sna tailte dá dtagartar san achuinge, no d'aon chuid acu, i dteanta no d'éamais tailte eile i gcomhursanacht na dtailte sin, go ndéanfadh an chomhairle na hoibreacha dréineála a déanfí sa cheanntar dhréineála san do choinneáil i dtreo sa mhéid go mbeidís suidhte i gcontae na comhairle agus go mbaileoidís agus go n-íocfidís an bhlianacht ionstadtha, na rátaí dréineála, agus airgead eile a bheadh ionbhailithe no iníoctha acu ar scór na n-oibreacha san do dhéanamh no do choinneáil i dtreo.
(4) Má ritheann comhairle chontae go cuibhe aon rún den tsórt san roimhráite, cuirfidh rúnaí na comhairle chun na gCoimisinéirí láithreach cóip den rún san agus den achuinge (agus an mapa ceangailte dhi) le n-a mbaineann an rún.
(5) Tar éis aon achuinge agus tuarasgabháil den tsórt san do bhreithniú dhóibh, mara rithidh comhairle chontae aon rúin den tsórt san roimhráite cuirfidh rúnaí na comhairle chun na gCoimisinéirí láithreach cóip den achuinge (agus an mapa ceangailte dhi) agus den tuarasgabháil.
(6) Má tíolactar aon achuinge den tsórt san do chomhairlí dhá chontae no níos mó do réir an Achta so féadfidh na comhairlí sin cur le chéile chun an achuinge sin do bhreithniú agus, in ionad an achuinge do chur fé bhráid suirbheura chontae gach contae fé leith acu, féadfid an achuinge do chur fé bhráid suirbheura chontae aon chontae amháin acu agus sa chás san féadfidh gach comhairle acu gníomhú fén alt so do réir tuarasgabháil an tsuirbheura chontae sin.
(7) In ionad an achuinge sin do chur fé bhráid suirbheura chontae, féadfidh aon chomhairle chontae no roinnt comhairlí contae le chéile, le cead an Aire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí, an achuinge do chur fé bhráid innealtóra cháilithe éigin eile a ainmneoidh an chomhairle no na comhairlí sin, agus sa chás san déanfar gach tagairt do shuirbhéir chontae san alt so do léiriú agus beidh éifeacht aici mar thagairt don innealtóir cháilithe sin agus is amach as ciste contae na comhairle a híocfar luach saothair an innealtóra cháilithe sin no, i pé cionúireachtaí a ordóidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí, amach as cistí contae uile agus fé seach na gcomhairlí a cheapfidh an t-innealtóir sin.
Scrúdóidh na Coimisinéirí an achuinge.
4.—(1) Nuair a gheobhaidh na Coimisinéirí, do réir an Achta so—
(a) cóip de rún agus d'achuinge o rúnaí comhairle na contae ina luíonn iomlán na dtailte go moltar san achuinge sin ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh díobh, no
(b) cóipeanna de rúin agus d'achuingeacha o rúnaí comhairle gach contae ina luíonn aon chuid de sna tailte go moltar san achuinge sin ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh díobh,
ceapfidh na Coimisinéirí innealtóir cáilithe agus fós, más dó leo gur gá é, duine go bhfuil taithí aige ar thalamh do luacháil chun na molta atá san achuinge sin do scrúdú agus chun tuarasgabháil ortha do thabhairt do sna Coimisinéirí.
(2) Gach éinne a cheapfidh na Coimisinéirí chun tuarasgabháil do thabhairt dóibh fén alt so maidir le hachuinge, beidh teideal aige chun dul isteach gach tráth réasúnta, maraon le congantóirí agus le lucht oibre, ar na tailte dá dtagartar san achuinge sin agus ar pé tailte eile ina gcomhursanacht san is dó leis is gá agus fós in aon áitreabh ar aon tailte den tsórt san agus pé lorgaireachtaí agus nithe do dhéanamh san áit sin a chífar do a bheith riachtanach chun crícheanna a thuarasgabhála.
An nósimeachta a leanfar nuair a chinnfidh na Coimisinéirí i gcoinnibh na hachuinge.
5.—Tar éis do sna Coimisinéirí breithniú do dhéanamh ar an rún no ar na rúin agus ar an achuinge gur chuir rúnaí comhairle contae no rúnaithe comhairlí contae cóipeanna dhíobh chúcha do réir an Achta so agus ar thuarasgabhála pé daoine do cheapadar chun tuarasgabháil do thabhairt dóibh ar na molta atá san achuinge sin, más dó leo nách ceart, agus an scéal mar atá, scéim dhréineála d'ullamhú ná ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh cuirfid an méid sin in úil don chomhairle chontae no do sna comhairlí contae sin agus san am gcéanna neosaid don chomhairle no do sna comhairlí sin cadiad na réasúin ar a bhfuil an tuairim sin bunuithe.
An nósimeachta a leanfar nuair a chinnfidh na Coimisinéirí i bhfabhar don achuinge.
6.—(1) Tar éis do sna Coimisinéirí breithniú do dhéanamh ar rún no ar rúin agus ar achuinge gur chuir rúnaí comhairle contae no rúnaithe comhairlí contae cóipeanna dhíobh chúcha do réir an Achta so agus ar thuarasgabhála pé daoine do cheapadar chun tuarasgabháil do thabhairt dóibh ar na molta atá san achuinge sin, más dó leo gur ceart, agus an scéal mar atá, scéim dhréineála d'ullamhú agus ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh chun cuspóirí na molta san do thabhairt chun críche, cuirfid an méid sin in úil don chomhairle chontae no do sna comhairlí contae sin agus ullamhóid scéim dhréineála dá réir sin.
(2) Le gach scéim dhréineála a ullamhóidh na Coimisinéirí fén Acht so déanfar, i gcorp na scéime no le mapaí, tarraiceoireachtaí, pleananna, gearrtha, agus sceidil oiriúnacha a bheidh ceangailte dhi, na nithe seo a leanas do thaisbeáint, sé sin le rá:—
(a) na haibhní, na srutháin no na huiscí go moltar deighleáil leo agus na tailte a moltar a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú, agus
(b) na hoibreacha a moltar a dhéanamh, agus
(c) na tailte agus na háitreabhacha a moltar a thógaint go héigeanta, na héasáidí, na cirt uisce, agus na cirt eile go moltar iad do thógaint go héigeanta, do shriana, do stad, no cur isteach ortha ar aon tslí eile, agus na bóithre agus na droichid (puiblí no príobháideach) go moltar iad do chasa, d'aistriú, no cur isteach ortha ar aon tslí eile, agus
(d) sealbhairí rátuithe na dtailte uile agus fé seach a moltar a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú, luacha fé seach na dtailte sin uile agus fé seach le linn ullamhuithe na scéime, agus an méid is dócha a méadófí na luacha san fé seach de bharr na n-oibreacha a moltar do dhéanamh, agus
(e) na daoine atá in ainm bheith ina ndílseánaigh, ina n-únaerí, no ina sealbhairí rátuithe no eile ar na tailte agus ar na háitreabhacha, ar na héasáidí, ar na cirt uisce, agus ar na cirt eile, ar na bóithre agus ar na droichid phríobháideacha, ortha uile agus fé seach, go moltar iad do thógaint go héigeanta, do shriana, do stad no cur isteach ortha no baint leo ar aon tslí eile, agus meastachán ar an gcúiteamh a bheadh iníoctha leis na dílseánaigh, na húnaerí agus na sealbhairí sin fé seach mar gheall ar an tógaint éigeanta, an sriana, an stad, an cur isteach, no an bhaint sin, agus
(f) an líomatáiste go bhfuil ceanntar dréineála fé leith le déanamh de ar chríochnú na n-oibreacha a moltar, agus
(g) meastachán ar chostas na n-oibreacha a moltar do dhéanamh agus ar na caithteachaisí generálta chun an scéim do thabhairt chun críche, agus
(h) an méid a thairgeann an tAire Airgid a íoc, amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas, mar chabhair chun íoctha na gcostas agus na gcaithteachaisí chun an scéim do thabhairt chun críche.
(3) Má tugtar scéim dhréineála chun críche agus go ndéanfar ceanntar dréineála fé leith dá réir, beidh ina gcuid de sna caithteachaisí generálta chun an scéim do thabhairt chun críche agus íocfar dá réir sin na caithteachaisí fé n-a raghaidh na Coimisinéirí ag breithniú agus ag scrúdú an rúin no na rún agus na hachuinge agus na molta san achuinge agus ag ullamhú na scéime dréineála.
(4) Más rud é, ar aon chúis, ná tabharfar scéim dhréineála chun críche ina hiomláine agus ná déanfar ceanntar dréineála fé leith dá réir, íocfar na caithteachaisí fé n-a raghaidh na Coimisinéirí, ag breithniú agus ag scrúdú an rúin no na rún agus na molta sa rún no sna rúin sin agus ag ullamhú na scéime dréineála agus ag tabhairt na scéime chun críche sa mhéid go dtabharfar í chun críche, íocfar iad, chó fada le n-a dhá dtrian, amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas agus, chó fada le n-a dtrian, ag an gcomhairle chontae do rith an rún no (marab é sin é) ag na comhairlí contae uile agus fé seach do rith na rúin i pé cionúireachtaí a ordóidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí agus, in aon chás acu, amach as pé cistí agus tré pé ráta a ordóidh an tAire.
Foillsiú fógraí i dtaobh scéime dréineála.
7.—Nuair a ullamhóidh na Coimisinéirí scéim dhréineála fén Acht so, déanfidh na Coimisinéirí—
(a) fógra d'fhoillsiú tré fhógrán do chur san Iris Oifigiúil agus i bpáipeur no i bpáipéirí a léightear sa cheanntar le n-a mbaineann an scéim, fógra á rá go bhfuiltar tar éis an scéim do dhéanamh, agus cadiad na bailte fearainn le n-a mbaineann sí, agus ag ainmniú áite comhgaraí in ar féidir an scéim (agus na mapaí agus na scríbhinní eile go léir ceangailte dhi) no cóip di d'iniúcha, agus
(b) cóip den bhfógra atá le foillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil do réir na míre sin roimhe seo do sheirbheáil ar gach duine atá ina shealbhaire rátuithe ar thailte a moltar sa scéim a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú agus fós fógra á éileamh ar an sealbhaire rátuithe ar a seirbheálfar é a chur in úil do sna Coimisinéirí, sa tslí agus laistigh den aimsir (nách giorra ná mí) a luaidhtear ann, ce'ca aontuíonn sé no ná haontuíonn sé leis an scéim agus a bhfuil éinní, agus má tá cadé an ní atá, aige i gcoinnibh na scéime no i gcoinnibh aon mhapa no scríbhinne eile atá ceangailte dhi, agus
(c) cóip den bhfógra atá le foillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil mar adubhradh do sheirbheáil ar gach éinne atá in ainm bheith ina dhílseánach, ina únaer, no ina shealbhaire ar thailte, ar chirt, no ar mhaoin eile go moltar sa scéim iad do thógaint go héigeanta no cur isteach ortha no baint leo ar aon tslí eile, agus fós fógra á chur in úil don dílseánach, don únaer, no don tsealbhaire sin go moltar leis an scéim talamh no ceart éigin no maoin éigin eile is leis no atá ar seilbh aige do thógaint go héigeanta no cur isteach air (agus beidh tuairisc iomlán sa bhfógra ar an gcur-isteach san (más ann do) agus ar an maoin sin) agus á éileamh air, má tá éinní aige i gcoinnibh na scéime no i gcoinnibh aon mhapa no scríbhinne eile atá ceangailte dhi, an ní sin do chur in úil do sna Coimisinéirí sa tslí agus laistigh den aimsir (nách giorra ná mí) a luaidhtear sa bhfógra, agus
(d) cóip den bhfógra atá le foillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil mar adubhradh do sheirbheáil ar an údarás áitiúil 'na bhfuil sé de chúram air aon bhóthar no droichead puiblí do choinneáil i dtreo 'na moltar sa scéim é do chasa no d'aistriú no cur isteach ar aon tslí cile air agus fós fógra ag innsint don údarás áitiúil sin mar gheall ar an gcasa, ar an aistriú no ar an gcur-isteach eile a moltar amhlaidh.
(2) Gach fógra agus scríbhinn eile atá le seirbheáil fén alt so féadfar é sheirbheáil tré n-a chur tríd an bpost roimh-íoctha, i gclúdach a bheidh dírithe chun an té ar a bhfuil sé le seirbheáil, ag á ghnáth-sheola no ag an seola is déanaí is eol a bheith aige, no (marab eol aon tseola den tsórt san) ag na tailte no ag an áit ina bhfuil an ceart no an mhaoin le n-a mbaineann an fógra, agus gach fógra no scríbhinn eile a seirbheálfar amhlaidh tuigfar gur seirbheáladh é an uair a déanfí an clúdach ina bhfuil sé do sheachada i ngnáth-chúrsa an phuist ag an seola a luaidhtear ar an gclúdach.
Agóidí i gcoinnibh scéime dréineála.
8.—(1) Scrúdóidh na Coimisinéirí i dtráth na conbharsáidí a gheobhaid o shealbhairí rátuithe tailte a moltar sa scéim dhréineála a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú agus gheobhaid amach cá mhéid de sna sealbhairí sin d'easaontuigh leis an scéim (sealbhairí dá ngairmtear “sealbhairí easaontathacha” ina dhiaidh seo anso) sa tslí agus laistigh den aimsir a luaidhtear sna fógraí a sheirbheáil na Coimisinéirí ortha, agus gheobhaid amach, leis, luach iomlán na dtailte atá ar seilbh ag sealbhairí easaontathacha agus a moltar sa scéim a dhreineáil no a fheabhsú agus, más mó an luach iomlán san ná leath luach iomlán na dtailte go léir a moltar sa scéim a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú, ní dhéanfidh na Coimisinéirí a thuille i dtaobh na scéime dréineála, ach féadfid, más oiriúnach leo é, scéim dhréineála nua no atharuithe d'ullamhú chun cuspóirí no cuid de chuspóirí na molta atá san achuinge do chur in éifeacht agus sa chás san bainfidh forálacha an Achta so (ar a n-áirítear an t-alt so) leis an scéim nua no atharuithe sin chó hiomlán agus bhainid le scéim dhréineála bhunaidh.
(2) I gcás luach iomlán na dtailte atá ar seilbh ag sealbhairí easaontathacha agus a moltar sa scéim a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú do bheith có-ionann le leath luach iomlán na dtailte go léir a moltar sa scéim a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú, no níos lú ná san, scrúdóidh na Coimisinéirí na hagóidí (más ann dóibh) a cuireadh isteach chun na gCoimisinéirí i gcoinnibh na scéime o shealbhairí rátuithe tailte a moltar sa scéim a dhréineáil no a fheabhsú, no o dhaoine atá in ainm bheith ina ndílseánaigh, ina n-únaerí, no ina sealbhairí ar thailte, ar chirt, no ar mhaoin go moltar sa scéim iad do thógaint go héigeanta, cur isteach ortha, no baint leo ar aon tslí eile, agóidí a cuireadh isteach sa tslí agus laistigh den aimsir a luaidhtear sna fógraí a seirbheáladh fén Acht so, agus féadfidh na Coimisinéirí aon agóidí den tsórt san ná fuil ach suaibhreosach no ciapthach dar leo do chaitheamh amach.
(3) Nuair a déanfar an scrúdú conbharsáidí sin, má chítar ná fuil aon agóidí den tsórt san ann no má dintar gach agóid den tsórt san do chaitheamh amach no do tharrac siar, tíolaicfidh na Coimisinéirí an scéim dhréineála don Aire Airgid chun a daingnithe, ach má chítar, nuair a déanfar an scrúdú san, go bhfuil aon agóid den tsórt san ann nár caitheadh amach ná nár tarraigeadh siar, cuirfidh na Coimisinéirí fé ndeár fiosrúchán puiblí do dhéanamh i dtaobh na n-agóidí sin mar a foráltar ina dhiaidh seo anso.
(4) Isé is luach d'aon talamh chun crícheanna an ailt seo ná a luach mar adeirtear é sa scéim dhréineála.
Fiosrúchán i dtaobh agóidí.
9.—(1) Isé an té a cheapfidh na Coimisinéirí chuige a dhéanfidh fiosrúchán puiblí i dtaobh agóidí i gcoinnibh scéime dréineála agus san san am agus san áit a ordóidh na Coimisinéirí, agus tabharfar fógra puiblí i pé slí is dó leis na Coimisinéirí is ceart i dtaobh an fhiosrúcháin sin do bheith le déanamh agus déanfidh na Coimisinéirí, leis, fógra speisialta do chur tríd an bpost roimh-íoctha, i dtaobh an fhiosrúcháin do bheith le déanamh, chun na ndaoine a chuir isteach na hagóidí 'na bhfuil an fiosrúchán le déanamh ina dtaobh.
(2) Beidh teideal ag na daoine seo a leanas chun teacht i láthair agus éisteacht d'fháil (i bpearsain no tré atúrnae no tré abhcóide) agus fianaise do thairisgint ag an bhfiosrúchán, sé sin le rá:—
(a) na daoine uile agus fé seach a chuir isteach na hagóidí ’na bhfuil an fiosrúchán á dhéanamh ina dtaobh, agus
(b) éinne de sna hachuingeoirí gur hullamhuíodh an scéim dhréineála de bharr a n-achuinge, agus
(c) an chomhairle chontae no an roinnt comhairlí contae gur hullamhuíodh an scéim dhréineála de bharr a rúin no a rún, agus
(d) éinne eile le n-a mbaineann an scéim dhréineála agus gur oiriúnach leis an té atá ag déanamh an fhiosrúcháin é éisteacht.
(3) An té a bheidh ag déanamh fiosrúcháin den tsórt san roimhráite tabharfa sé tuarasgabháil do sna Coimisinéirí ar an bhfiosrúchán nuair a bheidh sé déanta aige, agus tar éis an tuarasgabháil sin do bhreithniú dhóibh féadfidh na Coimisinéirí pé atharuithe (pe'ca tré atharú do dhéanamh é no cur leis no fágaint ar lár) is dó leo is ceart do dhéanamh sa scéim dhréineála agus ansan tíolaicfid an scéim dhréineála don Aire Airgid chun a daingnithe.
(4) Na costaisí agus na caithteachaisí fé n-a raghaidh na Coimisinéirí ag déanamh aon fhiosrúcháin den tsórt san tuigfar gur cuid iad de sna caithteachaisí a bhí ar na Coimisinéirí ag ullamhú na scéime dréineála.
An tAire Airgid do dhaingniú scéime dréineála.
10.—(1) I dteanta scéime dréineála a thíolaicfidh na Coimisinéirí don Aire Airgid chun a daingnithe beidh pé molta is oiriúnach leis na Coimisinéirí a dhéanamh i dtaobh daingniú na scéime no daingniú aon choda dhi no i dtaobh diúltú don scéim no d'aon chuid di do dhaingniú, agus, ar bhreithniú na molta san do, féadfidh an tAire Airgid le hordú, más oiriúnach leis é, an scéim do dhaingniú gan í d'atharú no tar éis pé atharuithe (pe'ca tré atharú do dhéanamh é no cur leis no fágaint ar lár) is oiriúnach leis do dhéanamh uirthi, no féadfa sé diúltú don scéim do dhaingniú.
(2) Laistigh de mhí tar éis ordú daingnithe scéime dréineála fén alt so do bheith déanta seirbheálfidh na Coimisinéirí cóip den ordú ar na daoine uile agus fé seach atá in ainm bheith ina ndílseánaigh, ina n-únaerí, no ina sealbhairí rátuithe no eile ar gach talamh, ceart agus maoin eile go moltar sa scéim é thógaint go héigeanta no cur isteach air no baint leis ar aon tslí eile.
Tabharfidh na Coimisinéirí an scéim dhréineála chun críche nuair a bheidh sí daingnithe.
11.—Nuair a bheidh ordú déanta ag an Aire Airgid fén Acht so ag daingniú scéime dréineála, tosnóidh na Coimisinéirí ar an scéim do thabhairt chun críche agus chuige sin oibreoidh an t-ordú chun comhacht do bhronna ar na Coimisinéirí—
(a) chun na hoibreacha a luaidhtear sa scéim do dhéanamh agus do chríochnú maraon le gach cur-leo, fágaint-arlár ionta, atharú ortha, agus casa-i-leataoibh uatha, a bheidh réasúnta agus a gheobhfar a bheith riachtanach le linn na hoibre, agus
(b) chun dul isteach ar aon talamh no in aon áitreabh agus gach gníomh agus ní do dhéanamh ann a bheidh riachtanach do réir réasúin, no a eireoidh, i ndéanamh no i gcríochnú na n-oibreacha maraon le gach cur-leo, fágaint-ar-lár ionta, atharú ortha, agus casa-i-leataoibh uatha mar adubhradh, agus
(c) chun na rudaí seo uile agus fé seach do thógaint go héigeanta, eadhon, na tailte agus na háitreabhacha, na héasáidí, na cirt uisce agus na cirt eile a moltar sa scéim a thógaint amhlaidh, agus, más oiriúnach leis na Coimisinéirí é, dul isteach ar aon tailte no in aon áitreabhacha acu san no aon cheann de sna héasáidí, de sna cirt uisce, agus de sna cirt eile sin d'fheidhmiú aon uair tar éis daingnithe na scéime dréineála agus sara ndéanfar na tailte, na háitreabhacha, na héasáidí, na ná cirt sin do leithliú ná a bpraghas d'fháil amach, agus
(d) chun srian no stad do chur leis na nithe seo, no chun cur isteach ortha ar aon tslí eile, eadhon, aon éasáidí, cirt uisce, no cirt eile go moltar sa scéim srian no stad do chur leo no cur isteach ortha go héigeanta, agus chun bóithre no droichid do chasa no d'aistriú, no cur isteach ortha ar aon tslí eile, eadhon, aon bhóithre no droichid go moltar sa scéim iad do chasa no d'aistriú no cur isteach ortha, agus, más oiriúnach leis na Coimisinéirí é, chun éinní de sna nithe roimhráite do dhéanamh aon uair tar éis daingnithe na scéime dréineála agus sara ndéanfar aon leithliú ná fáil-amach cúitimh maidir le héinní acu, agus
(e) chun gach gníomh agus ní eile do dhéanamh is dó leis na Coimisinéirí a bheidh riachtanach no ceart no a eireoidh do réir réasúin maidir leis an scéim do thabhairt chun críche go cuibhe, agus ná fuil aon tsocrú fé leith ina dtaobh san Acht so.
méid an chúitimh.
12.—(1) Chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis dáta an orduithe ón Aire Airgid ag daingniú na scéime dréineála, tosnóidh na Coimisinéirí ar na rudaí seo uile agus fé seach do thógaint go héigeanta, eadhon, na tailte agus na háitreabhacha, na héasáidí, na cirt uisce agus na cirt eile a moltar sa scéim a thógaint go héigeanta, agus, mara ndintar có-aontú ina thaobh, ceapfar fén Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919, agus dá réir, an cúiteamh a híocfar as na tailte, na háitreabhacha, agus na cirt sin leis na daoine uile agus fé seach go bhfuil teideal acu chúcha no estáití no leasanna acu ionta, no go bhfuil teideal acu chun na dtailte agus na n-áitreabhacha, no estáití no leasanna acu sna tailte agus sna háitreabhacha, ar a bhfuil na cirt sin le tógaint.
(2) Maidir le méid an chúitimh is iníoctha—
(a) le héinne mar gheall ar shrian no stad do chur le haon éasáid, ceart uisce, no ceart eile go héigeanta no mar gheall ar chur isteach air go héigeanta ar aon tslí eile no mar gheall ar aon bhóthar no droichead príobháideach do chasa no d'aistriú no mar gheall ar chur isteach air ar aon tslí eile fén scéim dhréineála no dá réir, no
(b) le haon údarás no cólucht, go bhfuil sé de chúram ortha aon bhóthar no droichead puiblí do choinneáil i dtreo, mar gheall ar an mbóthar no ar an droichead san do chasa no d'aistriú no mar gheall ar chur isteach air ar aon tslí eile fén scéim dhréineála no dá réir,
mara ndintar có-aontú ina thaobh, ceapfar é fén Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919, agus dá réir, díreach fé is dá mb'é an cúiteamh san an praghas a bheadh ar thalamh a tógfí go héigeanta.
(3) Nuair a bheidh cúiteamh á mheas do réir an ailt seo maidir le haon tailte, áitreabh, no ceart atá i seilbh no in úsáid no as a bhfuil tairbhe á bhaint maraon le haon mhuileann no monarcha no atá mar chuid dá leithéid, cuimhneofar ar aon tairbhe a thagann no a thiocfidh as aon fheasbhsú ar chomhacht uisce an mhuilinn no na monarchan san no as buaine an tsoláthar uisce a thagann chuige no as fuascailt o chúl-uisce, feabhsú, buaine, no fuascailt nách miste, do réir réasúin, súil do bheith le n-a theacht de bharr na hoibreacha do dhéanamh a luaidhtear sa scéim dhréineála.
(4) Bainfidh ailt 69 go 83 den Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845, leis an gcúiteamh is iníoctha ag na Coimisinéirí agus leis na leithlithe a déanfar chun na gCoimisinéirí ar thailte, ar áitreabhacha, agus ar chirt fén Acht so, agus chun crícheanna na bainte sin tuigfar gurb iad na Coimisinéirí bunathóirí an ghnótha.
(5) Ní luighfidh aon aicsean i gcúrsaí dlí ná cothruim i gcoinnibh na gCoimisinéirí ná i gcoinnibh éinne dá n-oifigigh ná dá seirbhísigh i dtaobh aon ghnímh, ní, ná ruda go bhfuil cúiteamh iníoctha ina thaobh de bhua an ailt seo.
Airgead do sholáthar chun scéim dhréineála do thabhairt chun críche.
13.—An t-airgead is gá chun íoctha an chostais agus na gcaithteachaisí fé n-a raghaidh na Coimisinéirí ag tabhairt na scéime dréineála chun críche agus ag déanamh na n-oibreacha a luadhfar inti (airgead ar a n-áirítear gach cúiteamh agus airgead eile is iníoctha agus gach fo-chostas) soláthrófar é mar leanas:—
(a) féadfidh an tAire Airgid oiread agus is dó leis is ceart de sna costaisí agus de sna caithteachaisí sin d'íoc amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas;
(b) féadfidh comhairle aon chontae, ina luíonn an líomatáiste no aon chuid den líomatáiste go moltar sa scéim dréineála ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh de, oiread de sna costaisí agus de sna caithteachaisí sin agus is dó leis an gcomhairle sin is ceart, agus a cheadóidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí, d'íoc leis na Coimisinéirí amach as an gciste contae no as airgead a cruinneofar chuige sin tré iasacht d'fháil fén Acht so;
(c) déanfidh na Coimisinéirí a mbeidh de bhreis ag na costaisí agus ag na caithteachaisí sin ar na suimeanna (más ann dóibh) a soláthrófar fé sna míreanna san roimhe seo do roimh-íoc amach as airgead atá fé n-a gcúram agus is féidir a thabhairt amach ar iasacht, agus aisíocfar é leis na Coimisinéirí sa tslí a foráltar ina dhiaidh seo anso.
Ullamhóidh na Coimisinéirí dreacht-mhola.
14.—(1) Nuair a bheidh agus chó luath agus bheidh an scéim dhréineála tugtha chun críche go hiomlán agus na hoibreacha uile atá le déanamh do réir na scéime sin críochnuithe, ullamhóidh agus foillseoidh na Coimisinéirí dreacht-mhola.
(2) Le gach dreacht-mhola a hullamhófar fén alt so déanfar i gcorp an mholta no le mapaí, tarraiceoireachtaí, pleannanna, gearrtha, agus sceidil oiriúnacha a bheidh ceangailte dhe, na nithe seo a leanas do thaisbeáint:—
(a) i dtéarmaí generálta, na tailte a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh agus na hoibreacha a dineadh do réir na scéime dréineála, agus
(b) na tailte áirithe a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh, sealbh airí rátuithe na dtailte sin, agus na caindíochtaí uile agus fé seach de sna tailte sin atá i seilbh na sealbhairí rátuithe sin fé seach, agus
(c) na méideanna fé seach do b'fhiú, ar dháta ullamhuithe na scéime dréineála, na caindíochtaí sin uile agus fé seach de sna tailte a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh amhlaidh, agus na méideanna a méaduíodh na méideanna san fé seach tríd na hoibreacha san do dhéanamh, agus
(d) méid iomlán na gcostaisí agus na gcaithteachaisí go léir fé n-ar chuaidh na Coimisinéirí ag déanamh oibreacha do réir na scéime dréineála agus go generálta ag tabhairt na scéime dréineála chun críche, agus
(e) méid na coda de sna costaisí agus de sna caithteachaisí roimhráite do híocadh amach as airgead do roimh-íoc na Coimisinéirí (agus san Acht so gairmtear den chuid sin uaireanta roimh-íocanna na gCoimisinéirí), agus
(f) méid na blianachta ionstadtha tré n-a ndéanfar roimhíocanna na gCoimisinéirí d'aisíoc do réir an Achta so, agus
(g) na cionúireachtaí ina mbeidh ar na tailte sin a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh amhlaidh an ráta dréineála d'íoc chun íoctha na blianachta ionstadtha san agus chun íoctha costais bhliantúla na n-oibreacha san do choinneáil i dtreo, agus
(h) an chontae no an roinnt chontaethe ina luíonn na tailte sin a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh amhlaidh, agus, más i mbreis agus aon chontae amháin a luíonn na tailte sin, na cionúireachtaí ina mbeidh roimh-íocanna na gCoimisinéirí agus an t-ús ar na roimh-íocanna san agus an bhlianacht ionstadtha san agus an costas bliantúil sin na n-oibreacha do choinneáil i dtreo ina n-ualach ar chomhairlí fé seach na gcontaethe sin, agus
(i) an líomatáiste dá ndéanfar ceanntar dréineála fé leith do réir na scéime dréineála.
(3) Beidh i ngach dreacht-mhola den tsórt san, leis, i bhfuirm dreachta, na forálacha uile agus fé seach is gá chun go ndéanfí gach ní no rud no chun socrú i gcóir gach ní no ruda gur gá do réir an Achta so é rá i mola deiridh no é dhéanamh no socrú ina chóir tré mhola dheiridh.
(4) Nuair a beifear á shocrú, chun crícheanna an dreacht-mholta no molta dheiridh, cadiad na cionúireachtaí ina mbeidh aon tsuim no ráta ina ualach ar na caindíochtaí uile agus fé seach de sna tailte a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh amhlaidh, cuimhneoidh na Coimisinéirí ar mhéid na tairbhe no an fheabhais a dintar do sna tailte sin no a cuirtar ortha fé seach tríd an scéim dhréineála do thabhairt chun críche.
Foillsiú fógraí i dtaobh an dreacht-mholta.
15.—(1) Nuair a ullamhóidh na Coimisinéirí dreacht fén Acht so, foillseoidh na Coimisinéirí, tré fhógrán do chur san Iris Oifigiúil agus i bpáipeur no i bpáipéirí a léightear sa cheanntar le n-a mbainfadh an mola deiridh nuair a bheadh sé déanta, fógra á rá go bhfuiltar tar éis an dreacht-mhola d'ullamhú agus cadiad na bailte fearainn le n-a mbaineann sé agus ag ainmiú áite comhgaraí in ar féidir an dreacht-mhola (agus na mapaí agus na scríbhinní eile go léir ceangailte dhe) no cóip de d'iniúcha, agus á rá, leis go ndéanfar fiosrúchán puiblí i dtaobh an dreacht mholta san am (nách luatha ná trí seachtaine tar éis céad-fhoillsiú an fhógra san) agus san áit a luaidhtear sa bhfógra.
(2) San am agus san áit a luaidhtear chuige sin sna fógraí a foillsíodh do réir an fho-ailt sin roimhe seo, déanfidh duine a cheapfidh na Coimisinéirí chuige sin fiosrúchán puiblí i dtaobh an dreacht-mholta, agus gach éinne gur dó leis an té a bheidh ag déanamh an fhiosrúcháin go mbainfadh an mola deiridh leis no go ndéanfadh sé difir do dá mba i bhfuirm an dreacht-mholta a déanfí é, beidh teideal aige chun teacht i láthair agus éisteacht d'fháil (i bpearsain no tré atúrnae no tré abhcóide) agus fianaise do chur ar nochta ag an bhfiosrúchán san.
(3) An té a bheidh ag déanamh fiosrúcháin den tsórt san roimh ráite déanfa sé, nuair a bheidh an fiosrúchán san críochnuithe tuarasgabháil do thabhairt do sna Coimisinéirí air agus tar éis an tuarasgabháil sin do bhreithniú dhóibh féadfidh na Coimisinéirí pé atharuithe (pe'ca tré atharú do dhéanamh é no cur leis no fágaint ar lár) is dó leo is ceart do dhéanamh sa dreacht-mhola
(4) Nuair a bheidh na Coimisinéirí sásta leis an dreacht-mhola tar éis pé atharuithe (más ann dóibh) den tsórt roimhráite do dhéanamh air déanfid mola deiridh i dtéarmaí an dreacht-mholta le n-a bhfuilid sásta amhlaidh agus oibreoidh an mola deiridh sin fé mar adeirtar ina dhiaidh seo san Acht so.
(5) Cuirfidh na Coimisinéirí fé ndeár fíor-chóip den mhola dheiridh do dhéanamh agus, tré chúl-scríbhinn uirthi, deimhneoid a bheith ceart agus ansan cuirfid an mola deiridh ar an rolla in Oifig Breacachán agus Riteacha na hArd-Chúirte agus coinneoid an chóip dheimhnithe sin den mhola dheiridh ina gcimeád féin.
(6) Nuair a bheidh an mola deiridh curtha ar an rolla go cuibhe do réir an ailt seo ní bheidh aon dul thairis agus beidh sé ina cheangal ar na páirtithe uile, agus aon chóip di a tabharfar amach agus a deimhneofar ag an oifigeach ceart den Ard-Chúirt beidh sí ina fianaise dho-chlaoite ar an mola deiridh do bheith déanta go cuibhe agus beidh sí ina fianaise dho-chlaoite, leis, ar a bhfuil sa mhola dheiridh.
Blianacht ionstadtha chun roimhíocanna na gCoimisinéirí d'aisíoc.
16.—(1) Caipitalófar ús a bheidh, do réir an ráta a ordóidh an tAire Airgid, ar roimh-íocanna na gCoimisinéirí ón dáta no o sna dátaí fé seach ar ar roimh-íocadh na roimh-íocanna san go dtí tosach na blianachta ionstadtha tré n-a n-aisíocfar iad agus, tré bhlianacht ionstadtha a háireofar i pé slí agus a leanfidh ar feadh pé méid blian a ordóidh an tAire Airgid, aisíocfar leis na Coimisinéirí iomlán na roimh-íocanna san agus an úis chaipitaluithe sin maraon le hús do réir an ráta a ordóidh an tAire Airgid.
(2) I dteanta méid na blianachta ionstadtha ordófar leis an mola deiridh an dáta (nách mó ná ráithe roimh dháta an mholta dheiridh ná ráithe tar éis an dáta san) óna dtosnóidh an bhlianacht ionstadtha san, na laetheanta cinn leath-bhliana a bheidh sí iníoctha, agus an méid blian a leanfa sí, agus is dá réir sin a bheidh an bhlianacht san iníoctha.
Comhairlí contae d'íoc na mblianacht ionstadtha.
17.—(1) Oibreoidh an mola deiridh chun go ndéanfadh sé agus déarfar ann go ndineann sé roimh-íocanna na gCoimisinéirí agus an t-ús ortha agus an bhlianacht ionstadtha tré n-a n-aisíocfar idir roimh-íocanna agus ús do chur mar mhuirear ar chiste chontae na contae ina luíonn na tailte a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh amhlaidh mar adubhradh no, más i mbreis agus aon chontae amháin a luíonn na tailte sin, ar chistí contae fé seach na gcontaethe sin uile do réir na gcionúireachtaí sin ina ndeirtar sa mhola dheiridh an muirear a bheith le n'íoc ag comhairlí na gcontaethe sin.
(2) An chomhairle chontae go mbeidh ar a ciste contae muirear na blianachta ionstadtha tré n-a n-aisíocfar roimh-íocanna na gCoimisinéirí isí a íocfidh an bhlianacht san leis na Coimisinéirí no, más ar bhreis agus aon chiste contae amháin a bheidh muirear na blianachta san, isiad na comhairlí contae uile agus fé seach go mbeidh an muirear san ar a gcistí contae a dhéanfidh amhlaidh agus san do réir na gcoinúireachtaí ina bhfuil an bhlianacht muirearuithe amhlaidh.
(3) Gach blianacht ionstadtha no cuid de bhlianacht ionstadtha is iníoctha ag comhairle chontae fén alt so, is ar na tráthanna agus sa tslí a ceapfar leis an mola deiridh chun a híoctha a íocfidh an chomhairle sin í agus is amach as an airgead a chruinneoidh an chomhairle sin tríd an ráta dréineála a híocfar í amhlaidh agus, maran leor agus sa mhéid nách leor an t-airgead san, is amach as an gciste contae a híocfar í.
(4) Féadfidh na Coimisinéirí gach airgead is iníoctha ag comhairle chontae leis na Coimisinéirí ar scór blianachta ionstadtha fén Acht so d'fháil ón gcomhairle sin le haicsean dlí.
Ceanntar dréineála fé leith do dhéanamh.
18.—(1) Oibreoidh an mola deiridh chun go ndéanfadh sé agus déarfar ann go ndineann sé ceanntar dréineála fé leith den líomatáiste a luaidhtear ann chuige sin.
(2) Féadfidh iomlán ceanntair no ceanntracha dréineála a dineadh fé sna Drainage and Navigation (Ireland) Acts, 1842 to 1857, no fé sna Drainage and Improvement of Lands (Ireland) Acts, 1863 to 1892, agus atá ann le linn rithte an Achta so, ceanntracha dá ngairmtear seana-cheanntracha dréineála san alt so, féadfidh san no aon chuid de bheith ina chuid den líomatáiste dá ndéanfar ceanntar dréineála fé leith le mola deiridh.
(3) Má bhíonn iomlán seana-cheanntair dhréineála ina chuid de cheanntar dhréineála a dineadh le mola deiridh fén Acht so, leanfidh na tailte atá sa tseana-cheanntar dhréineála san de bheith fé fhiachas aon tsuime caipitiúla a muirearadh ortha ar scór na n-oibreacha dréineála sa cheanntar do dhéanamh agus fé fhiachas aon chíos-mhuirir a muirearadh ortha chun an tsuim chaipitiúil sin agus an t-ús uirthi d'aisíoc, agus leanfidh an seanacheanntar dréineála san de bheith ann sa mhéid gur gá é chun an tsuim chaipitiúil sin agus an cíos-mhuirear san do bhailiú agus do bhaint amach, ach chun gach críche eile stadfa sé de bheith ann ar dháta an mholta dheiridh agus ón dáta san amach.
(4) Má bhíonn cuid de sheana-cheanntar dhréineála ina cuid de cheanntar dhréineála a dineadh le mola deiridh fén Acht so, leanfidh na tailte atá sa chuid sin den tseana-cheanntar dhréineála san de bheith fé fhiachas a gceana chirt féin d'aon tsuim chaipitiúil a muirearadh ar na tailte sa tseana-cheanntar dhréineála san ar scór na n-oibreacha dréineála sa cheanntar do dhéanamh agus fé fhiachas a gceana chirt féin d'aon chíos-mhuirear a muirearadh ar na tailte sin chun an tsuim chaipitiúil sin agus an t-ús uirthi d'aisíoc, agus leanfidh an chuid sin den tseana-cheanntar dhréineála san de bheith ina cuid den cheanntar san chun gach críche a bhaineann leis an suim chaipitiúil sin agus leis an gcíos-mhuirear san do bhailiú agus do bhaint amach, ach chun gach críche eile stadfa sí de bheith ina cuid den tseana-cheanntar dhréineála san.
Oibreacha dréineála do choinneáil i dtreo.
19.—(1) An dualgas agus an chomhacht chun na hoibreacha dréineála is abhar don mhola dheiridh do choinneáil dea-dheisithe agus i dtreo mhaith agus in ordú ceart éifeachtúil chun oibre agus gach ní agus rud do dhéanamh is gá, do réir réasúin, chuige sin no a bhaineann leis do réir réasúin, oibreoidh an mola deiridh chun iad do mhuirearú, d'fhorchur, agus do bhronna ar chomhairle na contae ina luíonn an ceanntar dréineála a dintar leis an mola san no, más i dhá chontae no níos mó a luíonn an ceanntar san, ar chomhairlí uile agus fé seach na gcontaethe sin, i dteanta a chéile dhóibh, agus déarfar sa mhola go ndineann sé amhlaidh.
(2) Gach costas agus caithteachas le n-a raghaidh comhairle chontae no comhairlí contae ag có-líona a ndualgais, eadhon, oibreacha dréineála do choinneáil i dtreo do réir mholta dheiridh, cruinneoidh an chomhairle chontae no na comhairlí contae sin iad ón gceanntar dréineála tríd an ráta dréineála agus, más i dhá chontae no níos mó a luíonn an ceanntar, soláthrófar iad do réir na gcionúireachtaí ina ndeirtar sa mhola dheiridh iad a bheith le n'íoc ag na comhairlí.
Conus a deighleálfar le tailte, etc., a tógfar fé scéimeanna dréineála.
20.—(1) Ag ullamhú an dreacht-mholta dhóibh, féachfidh agus socróidh na Coimisinéirí, maidir le haon tailte, áitreabhacha, éasáidí, cirt usice, agus cirt eile a thógadar do réir na scéime dréineála, ce'ca táid no ná fuilid agus, má táid, ce'ca cinn atá, nea-riachtanach agus gan bheith ag teastáil i gcóir na n-oibreacha dréineála no chun na hoibreacha san do choinneáil i dtreo agus d'oibriú sa cheart.
(2) Oibreoidh an mola deiridh chun go ndílseodh sé agus déarfar ann go ndílsíonn sé, sa chomhairle chontae ar a gcuireann sé mar dhualgas na hoibreacha dréineála do choinneáil i dtreo no, más ar dhá chomhairle chontae no níos mó a cuirtar an dualgas san, sna comhairlí contae sin le chéile, na hoibreacha dréineála a dhin na Coimisinéirí do réir na scéime dréineála maraon le gach talamh, áitreabh, éasáid, ceart uisce, agus ceart eile a thóg na Coimisinéirí do réir na scéime dréineála lasmuich d'aon tailte, áitreabhacha, éasáidí, cirt uisce, agus cirt eile acu san a shocruigh na Coimisinéirí fén alt so a bheith nea-riachtanach agus gan bheith ag teastáil mar adubhradh.
(3) Gach talamh, áitreabh, éasáid, ceart uisce, agus ceart eile acu san a shocróidh na Coimisinéirí amhlaidh a bheith nea-riachtanach agus gan bheith ag teastáil mar adubhradh, díolfidh na Coimisinéirí iad no deighleálfid leo ar shlí éigin eile chun tairbhe don Stát-Chiste ar pé cuma a cheapfidh an tAire Airgid.
Buala an ráta dréineála.
21.—(1) Gach airgead a éilíonn an tAcht so ar chomhairle chontae a chruinniú chun crícheanna ceanntair dhréineála tríd an ráta dréineála, cruinneofar é tré ráta (dá ngairmfar an ráta dréineála) a cuirfar ar shealbhairí rátuithe na dtailte a luíonn sa chontae agus adeirtar, sa mhola dheiridh, a dréineáladh no a feabhsuíodh, agus san do réir na gcionúireachtaí ina ndeirtar, sa mhola dheiridh sin, an ráta dréineála do bheith iníoctha ag na tailte sin.
(2) Buailfar an ráta dréineála in aon am amháin agus fé réir an aon athchomhairc amháin leis an ráta dealbhais agus, más oiriúnach leis an gcomhairle chontae é, féadfar é bhailiú in éineacht leis an ráta dealbhais agus pé scéal é beidh sé inghearrtha, iníoctha, agus ionbhainte amach díreach sa tslí chéanna ina bhfuil agus tríd na meadhoin chéanna tré n-a bhfuil ráta dealbhais inghearrtha, iníoctha, agus ionbhainte amach.
(3) I gcás sealbhaire rátuithe aon tailte, foirgintí, no áitribh atá rátuithe ar scór ráta dhréineála do bheith ina theanta san ina shealbhaire rátuithe ar thailte, ar fhoirgintí, no ar áitreabh eile atá mar chuid den ghabháltas, den bhfeirm, no den tionóntachán ina bhfuil na tailte, na foirgintí no an t-áitreabh a céad-luaidhtear, féadfar aon tsuim a cuirfar ar an sealbhaire rátuithe sin ar scór ráta dhréineála fén alt so do chur air agus do bhailiú uaidh agus do bhaint de fé is dá mb'ar scór a sheilbhe ar iomlán an ghabháltais, na feirme, no an tionóntacháin sin a bheadh an tsuim sin iníoctha.
Comhairlí contae do chruinniú airgid.
22.—(1) Is tríd an ráta dealbhais mar mhuirear ar an gcontae iomlán a cruinneofar gach airgead a húdaruítear no a horduítear do chomhairle chontae, leis an Acht so, a íoc amach as an gciste contae, agus fós gach costas fé n-ar chuaidh comhairle chontae ag feidhmiú an Achta so agus ná socruítear leis an Acht so ar aon tslí eile chun é chruinniú.
(2) I gcás é bheith údaruithe leis an Acht so do chomhairle chontae airgead d'fháil ar iasacht chun aon chríche féadfidh an chomhairle sin an t-airgead san d'fháil ar iasacht fé Airtiogal 22 den Local Government (Application of Enactments) Order, 1898, fé is dá mbeadh an chríoch san luaidhte san Airtiogal san, agus ní déanfar airgead a fuarthas ar iasacht chun aon chríche den tsórt san d'áireamh mar chuid d'fhiacha na comhairle chun crícheanna an Airtiogail sin.
(3) Is tríd an ráta dealbhais mar mhuirear ar an gcontae iomlán a cruinneofar costas aon iasachta a gheobhfar fén alt so agus an t-airgead chun í d'aisíoc agus chun an t-ús uirthi d'íoc.
Féadfidh comhairlí contae coistí do cheapa.
23.—(1) Más ar aon chomhairle chontae amháin a muirearófar, a forchuirfar agus a bronnfar le mola deiridh an dualgas agus an chomhacht chun oibreacha dréineála do choinneáil i dtreo, féadfidh coiste a cheapfidh an chomhairle chontae sin an dualgas san do chólíona agus an chomhacht san d'fheidhmiú, coiste a bheidh có-dhéanta de pé méid ball den chomhairle chontae agus de pé méid daoine nách baill den chomhairle chontae a ordóidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí.
(2) Más ar dhá chomhairle chontae no níos mó, i dteanta a chéile, a muirearófar, a forchuirfar agus a bronnfar le mola deiridh an dualgas agus an chomhacht chun oibreacha dréineála do choinneáil i dtreo, déanfidh có-choiste de sna comhairlí contae sin an dualgas san do chólíona agus an chomhacht san d'fheidhmiú, có-choiste a cheapfidh na comhairlí contae sin do réir pé cionúireachtaí agus a bheidh có-dhéanta de pé méid ball de gach ceann fé leith de sna comhairlí contae sin agus de pé méid daoine nách baill d'aon chomhairle chontae acu a ordóidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí.
(3) Féadfidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí, le hordú, rialacháin do dhéanamh á ordú cathin a toghfar (agus cathin a céad-thoghfar) baill de choistí agus de chó-choistí a ceapfar fén alt so, cadé an tréimhse a bheidh na baill sin i seilbh oifige, conus a líonfar foth-fholúntaisí ina measc, go nea-cháileofar baill a scuirfidh de bheith no a chaillfidh a gcáilíocht chun bheith ina mbaill den chomhairle do cheap iad, agus conus a déanfar gnó na gcoistí agus na gcó-choistí sin.
(4) Ar na daoine nách baill den chomhairle chontae ná d'aon cheann de sna comhairlí contae le n-a mbaineann an scéal agus a toghfar chun bheith ina mbaill d'aon choiste no có-choiste a ceapfar fén alt so maidir le haon oibreacha dréineála beidh éinne amháin ar a luíod ina rát-íocóir dá ndlightear ráta dréineála d'íoc ar scór na n-oibreacha dréineála san.
(5) Cimeádfar ar leithligh cuntaisí gach có-choiste a ceapfar fén alt so agus is iniúchóir a cheapfidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí a iniúchfidh iad, agus na hachtacháin seo a leanas, sé sin le rá, ailt 11 go 15 den Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1871, fo-alt (2) d'alt 63 den Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, ailt 20 agus 21 den Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1902, agus alt 61 den Acht Rialtais Áitiúla, 1925 (Uimh. 5 de 1925), mar a leasuíodh no a hoiriúnuíodh iad le haon achtachán ina dhiaidh sin no fé, bainfid le hiniúcha agus le hiniúchóir cuntaisí na gcó-choistí sin sa tslí chéanna ina mbaineann na hachtacháin sin, agus iad leasuithe no oiriúnuithe amhlaidh, le hiniúcha agus le hiniúchóir cuntaisí na gcóluchtaí puiblí a luaidhtear ionta.
(6) Ní údaróidh éinní san alt so d'aon choiste ná có-choiste a ceapfar fén alt so aon airgead do sholáthar a héilítear ar chomhairle chontae, leis an Acht so, a sholáthar.
Tabharfidh comhairlí contae, etc., tuarasgabháil bhliantúil uatha.
24.—Gach comhairle chontae agus gach có-choiste go gcuirtar de dhualgas ortha leis an Acht so no le haon Acht eile ceanntar dréineála do choinneáil i dtreo tabharfid do sna Coimisinéirí gach bliain tuarasgabháil i dtaobh an cheanntair sin sa bhfuirm a ordóidh agus na mion-innste inti a ordóidh na Coimisinéirí chuige sin.
Baint na nAchtanna chun Dréineáil do Choinneáil Suas, 1866 agus 1924.
25.—Bainfidh na hAchtanna chun Dréineáil do Choinneáil Suas, 1866 agus 1924, le gach ceanntar dréineála a déanfar fén Acht so ach go ndéanfar na hatharuithe seo ortha, eadhon, ná déanfar le haon ordú muirir a déanfar fé sna hAchtanna san aon mhuirear eile seachas an muirear breise a horduítear, le halt 8 den Acht chun Dréineáil do Choinneáil Suas, 1924, a dhéanamh leis agus, na suimeanna agus an t-ús a muirearófar leis ar chiste chontae chomhairle contae gur amach as airgead a chruinneoidh an chomhairle sin tré ráta dhréineála fén Acht so (agus údaruítear don chomhairle leis seo an ráta san do bhuala) a íocfidh an chomhairle sin iad agus, maran leor agus sa mhéid nách leor an t-airgead san, gur amach as an gciste contae a íocfid iad.
Scrúdú ceanntair dhréineála.
26.—Gan dochar do dhualgaisí agus do chomhachta na gCoimisinéirí fé sna hAchtanna chun Dréineáil do Choinneáil Suas, 1866 agus 1924, déanfidh na Coimisinéirí gach ceanntar dréineála a déanfar fén Acht so do scrúdú uair amháin ar a luíod i ngach cúig bliana, agus láithreach tar éis ceanntar dréineála do scrúdú amhlaidh cuirfidh na Coimisinéirí chun comhairle na contae no chun comhairlí na gcontaethe uile agus fé seach ina luíonn an ceanntar san tuarasgabháil ar staid deisiúcháin agus ar chor ghenerálta na n-oibreacha dréineála sa cheanntar san.
Dualgaisí na gCoimisinéirí maidir le bóithre agus droichid phuiblí.
27.—Má socruítear le scéim dhréineála chun bóthar no droichead puiblí do chasa no d'aistriú no chun aon chur isteach eile do dhéanamh air, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so a leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) más gá an bóthar no an droichead do dhúna do thrácht de dheascaibh na hoibreacha san do bheith á ndéanamh déanfidh na Coimisineírí agus coinneoid i dtreo, faid a bheidh an bóthar no an droichead san dúnta amhlaidh do thrácht, bóthar no droichead sealadach is leor chun pé méid agus pé saghas tráchta d'iompar a théigheann ar an mbóthar no ar an droichead san do ghnáth;
(b) nuair a bheidh no sara mbeidh na hoibreacha a luaidhtear sa scéim dhréineála críochnuithe cuirfidh na Coimisinéirí an bóthar no an droichead sa riocht ina raibh sé no déanfid bóthar no droichead nua buan is leor chun an trácht céanna (an méid agus an saghas céanna) d'iompar a bhíodh an seana-bhóthar no an seana-dhroichead in án a iompar, agus ná beidh puinn níos neamh-oiriúnaí fánaidh agus lúb ná an seanabhóthar no an seana-dhroichead san;
(c) má dhineann na Coimisinéirí droichead nua buan agus gur mó go mór na buntáistí a thugann an droichead san do phuiblíocht aon chontae no bailecheanntair ná an seana-dhroichead, tré shlí chonbharsáide fheabhsuithe do thabhairt dóibh no ar aon tslí eile, deimhneoidh na Coimisinéirí costas an droichid nua san agus deimhneoidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí cadé an chuid den chostas san is dó leis ba chóir, do réir réasúin, a bheith ar chomhairle na contae no an bhailecheanntair sin, agus leis sin déanfidh an chomhairle sin suim chó mór leis an gcuid a deimhníodh amhlaidh den chostas san do chruinniú mar chuid de chostaisí bóithre contae no bailecheanntair (pe'ca aca é) do choinneáil i dtreo, agus íocfidh an chomhairle sin leis na Coimisinéirí í;
(d) ní háireofar mar chuid de chostaisí agus de chaithteachaisí na scéime dréineála do thabhairt chun críche aon chuid is iníoctha fén alt so ag comhairle chontae no bhailecheanntair de chostas tógtha droichid nua ach gach costas agus caithteachas eile fé n-a raghaidh na Coimisinéirí ag cólíona an ailt seo beidh sé mar chuid de chostaisí agus de chaithteachaisí na scéime dréineála do thabhairt chun críche;
(e) má eiríonn aon amhrus, aighneas no ceist i dtaobh ce'ca do chólíon na Coimisinéirí forálacha an ailt seo no nár dhin, agus iad ag déanamh aon bhóthair no droichid, sealadach no buan, no á choinneáil i dtreo no á chur ina sheana-riocht, do réir an ailt seo, no i dtaobh ce'ca is mó go mór na buntáistí atá ag puiblíocht aon chontae no bailecheanntair o dhroichead nua bhuan a dhin na Coimisinéirí ná ón seanadhroichead, no nach ea, tabharfidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí breith ar an amhrus, ar an aighneas, no ar an gceist sin agus ní bheidh dul thar an mbreith sin.
Conus a stiúrófar fiosrúcháin phuiblí.
28.—(1) Gach éinne a bheidh ag déanamh fiosrúcháin phuiblí fén Acht so beidh comhacht aige, tré fhógra i scríbhinn fé n-a láimh, fínnithe do ghairm agus a éileamh go dtabharfar leabhair agus scríbhinní eile i láthair, agus éinne a gairmfar amhlaidh agus a bheidh gan bheith i láthair ag an bhfiosrúchán agus fianaise do thabhairt uaidh ann agus éinne a theipfidh no a dhiúltóidh maidir le haon leabhar no scríbhinn eile do thabhairt i láthair a héilíodh air amhlaidh a thabhairt i láthair, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfar fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint do chur air.
(2) Is fé mhionn a tabharfar gach fianaise ag aon fhiosrúchán puiblí fén Acht so, agus tugtar comhacht leis seo don té a bheidh ag déanamh an fhiosrúcháin na fínnithe do chur fén mionn san, agus éinne a thabharfidh fianaise bhréagach uaidh ag aon fhiosrúchán den tsórt san beidh sé ciontach i mionn bréagach agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
(3) Gach éinne a bheidh ag déanamh fiosrúcháin phuiblí fén Acht so beidh teideal aige chun an fiosrúchán do chur ar athló fé mar is oiriúnach leis agus beidh aige, leis, comhacht chun iniúcha agus scrúdú do dhéanamh ar aon tailte agus áitreabhacha le n-a mbaineann an scéim dhréineála no an mola go mbeidh an fiosrúchán á dhéanamh ina taobh no le n-a mbaineann aon chur i gcoinnibh na scéime no an mholta san agus chun dul isteach ar na tailte sin agus sna háitreabhacha san chun na críche sin.
Ciontaí agus pionóisí.
29.—(1) Gach éinne—
(a) a bhacfidh go toiliúil na Coimisinéirí no éinne dá n-oifigigh no dá seirbhísigh agus iad ag feidhmiú aon chomhachta no ag cólíona aon dualgais dá mbronntar no dá bhforchuirtar ar na Coimisinéirí leis an Acht so no fé, no
(b) a bhacfidh go toiliúil éinne do ceapadh fén Acht so ag na Coimisinéirí no ag aon chomhairle chontae no comhairlí contae chun tuarasgabháil do thabhairt chun críche an Achta so agus san le linn an duine sin do bheith ag feidhmiú aon chomhachta dá mbronntar air leis an Acht so, no
(c) a stracfidh anuas, a aistreoidh, no a dhíobhálfidh aon oibreacha a bheidh na Coimisinéirí a dhéanamh fén Acht so, no
(d) a aistreoidh, a dhíobhálfidh, no a agha-loitfidh aon phionnaí, cuaillí, no marcanna do shocruigh no do dhin na Coimisinéirí no éinne dá n-oifigigh no dá seirbhísigh chun no le linn aon cheann de sna comhachta d'fheidhmiú no aon cheann de sna dualgaisí do chólíona a bronntar no a forchuirtar ar na Coimisinéirí leis an Acht so no fé, no
(e) a chaithfidh no a chuirfidh aon fhiaile, clocha, cré no abhar soladach eile no a chuirfidh fé ndeár no a cheadóidh aon abhar soladach den tsórt san do thuitim no do ghabháil isteach in aon chúrsa uisce go bhfuil na Coimisinéirí ar tí aon oibreacha do dhéanamh no ag déanamh aon oibreacha ina thaobh fén Acht so, agus san i slí is go mbacfar, go gcoiscfar, no go moilleofar na hoibreacha san, no
(f) a chuirfidh no a thógfidh aon iadhtán, corra, no constaic eile in aon chúrsa uisce den tsórt san roimhráite gan cead o sna Coimisinéirí,
beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
(2) Gach éinne a dhéanfidh, tar éis aon oibreacha dréineála a déanfar fén Acht so do bheith críochnuithe—
(a) bac do chur go toiliúil leis an gcomhairle chontae no leis na comhairlí contae ar a mbeidh sé de chúram, de bhua an Achta so, na hoibreacha dréineála san do choinneáil i dtreo, no le haon choiste no có-choiste den chomhairle no de sna comhairlí sin no le haon oifigeach no seirbhíseach d'aon chomhairle, comhairlí, coiste no có-choiste den tsórt san agus iad ag feidhmiú aon chomhachta dá mbeidh acu no ag có-líona aon dualgais dá mbeidh ortha maidir leis na hoibreacha dréineála san, no
(b) aon oibreacha dréineála den tsórt san no aon chuid díobh do straca anuas, d'aistriú, no do dhíobhála ar aon tslí, no
(c) bac do chur le huisce do rith chun aon oibreacha dréineála den tsórt san no tríotha no uatha i slí is go ndéanfí a n-oibriú éifeachtúil do chose no do bhac no go gcuirfí fé ndeár tuile do dhul isteach ar na hoibreacha san no ar aon tailte a dréineáltar leo,
beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
(3) Gach éinne a chiontóidh cúirt údaráis achmair i gcionta fén alt so dlighfar é chur fé fhíneáil ná raghaidh thar caoga punt no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, fé phríosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná sé mhí no fén bhfíneáil sin agus fén bpríosúntacht san le chéile, agus fós i gcás cionta leanúnaigh dlighfar é chur fé fhíneáil (i dteanta aon fhíneála den tsórt san roimhráite) ná raghaidh thar cúig púint in aghaidh gach lae a leanfidh an cionta.
(4) Chun crícheanna an ailt seo tuigfar oibreacha dréineála do bheith á ndéanamh go dtí go mbeidh an mola deiridh ina dtaobh déanta fén Acht so agus o am déanta an mholta san amach tuigfar iad do bheith críochnuithe.
Féadfidh coistí fo-dhlithe do dhéanamh.
30.—(1) Gach comhairle chontae a bheidh ag coinneáil oibreacha dréineála i dtreo fén Acht so, go díreach no tré choiste a cheapadar, agus fós gach có-choiste a bheidh ag coinneáil oibreacha dréineála i dtreo fén Acht so, féadfid fo-dhlithe do dhéanamh chun gach críche no aon chríche acu so a leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) oscailt, dúna, agus oibriú comhlaí uisce, haistí, geataí tuile, agus meaisínteachta eile sna hoibreacha do regleáil,
(b) bainistí agus oibriú na n-oibreacha do regleáil go generálta,
(c) daoine do thoirmeasc ar aon chúrsa uisce a bheidh ag rith chun na n-oibreacha no tríotha no uatha do stopa no do shailiú no abhar soladach do chur ann i slí is go ndéanfí oibriú éifeachtúil na n-oibreacha do chosc no do bhac no go gcuirfí fé ndeár tuile do dhul isteach ar aon tailte a dréineáltar leis na hoibreacha,
(d) aon díobháil no damáiste do sna hoibreacha o éinne no aon chur isteach ortha o dhaoine neamh-údaruithe do thoirmeasc,
(e) a fhéachaint do chur ar dhaoine go bhfuil ortha aon chúrsa uisce no dréin do choinneáil i dtreo an céanna do chimeád glan agus sciúrtha,
(f) na pionóisí d'ordú a féadfar a chur ar dhaoine a gheobhfar ciontach ag cúirt údaráis achmair i sárú na bhfo-dhlithe ach gan aon phionós den tsórt san do bheith níos mó ná fíneáil chúig púint fhichead ar fad agus ina theanta san, i gcás cionta leanúnaí, fíneáil eile chúig bpunt in aghaidh gach lae a leanfidh an cionta no, in aon chás agus más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh téarma trí mí.
(2) Ní bheidh aon fheidhm ná éifeacht ag aon fho-dhlí a déanfar fén alt so mara ndaingnighidh ná go dtí go ndaingneoidh an tAire Rialtais Áitiúla agus Sláinte Puiblí í, agus ar bheith daingnithe amhlaidh do gach fo-dhlí den tsórt san tiocfa sí i ngníomh ar an dáta d'orduigh an tAire sin chuige sin agus é ag daingniú na fo-dhlí no, mara n-orduítear aon dáta den tsórt san amhlaidh, tiocfa sí i ngníomh láithreach tar éis an daingnithe sin.
(3) Einne a gheobhfar ciontach ag cúirt údaráis achmair i sárú aon fho-dhlí a dineadh fén alt so féadfidh an chúirt sin é do dhaora chun aon phionóis nách mó ná an pionós a horduíodh leis na fo-dlithe sin ar scór an tsáruithe sin no, i gcás nár horduíodh aon phionós amhlaidh, chun aon phionóis nách mó ná fíneáil chúig púint fhichead agus ina theanta san, i gcás cionta leanúnaí, fíneáil eile chúig bpunt in aghaidh gach lae a leanfidh an cionta no, in aon chás agus más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná trí mhí.
Gearr-theideal.
31.—Féadfar an tAcht Dréineála Airtéirighe, 1925, do ghairm den Acht so.
Number 33 of 1925.
ARTERIAL DRAINAGE ACT, 1925.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section | |
Terminable annuity for repayment of advances by Commissioners. | |
Duties of Commissioners in regard to public roads and bridges. | |
Act Referred to | |
No. 5 of 1925 | |
Number 33 of 1925.
ARTERIAL DRAINAGE ACT, 1925.
Interpretation.
1.—(1) In this Act—
the expression “the Commissioners” means the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland;
the word “drainage” includes drainage by pumping either alone or in conjunction with other means, and all cognate words shall be construed accordingly;
all expressions to which special meanings are assigned by the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898 have the special meanings so assigned to them respectively.
(2) In all references in this Act to lands drained or proposed to be drained, or to lands improved or benefited by drainage or proposed to be so improved or benefited, the word “lands” shall include lands, buildings, and premises of every description, whether urban or rural.
Rated occupiers may petition county council.
2.—(1) Any six or more persons being rated occupiers of lands which are liable to be flooded or injured by water or which are capable of being improved by drainage or being persons upon trust for whom or for whose benefit any such lands are held by the rated occupiers thereof may apply to the council of the county or to the respective councils of the several counties in which such lands are situate to have drainage works executed for the purpose of draining or improving such lands and to have such lands, either together with or without other lands in the neighbourhood thereof, constituted to be a separate drainage district.
(2) Every application to the council of a county under this section shall be made by petition presented to the council and every such petition shall be in writing in such form as shall be prescribed by the Commissioners and shall state in general terms the drainage works which it is thereby proposed should be executed and shall have annexed thereto a map showing the lands thereby proposed to be constituted a separate drainage district.
(3) Where the lands proposed by any such petition to be constituted a separate drainage district are situate in more than one county, the petition shall be presented to the council of every county in which any part of such lands is situate notwithstanding that the portion of such lands occupied by the petitioners may not extend into every such county.
Procedure by county council on receipt of petition.
3.—(1) Every council to which a petition is presented under this Act shall refer such petition to the county surveyor for his report on the general merits of the proposals contained in the petition.
(2) For the purpose of making such report as aforesaid the county surveyor and his assistants shall be entitled at all reasonable times to enter upon the lands referred to in the petition and such other lands in the neighbourhood thereof as he or they shall think necessary and also any premises on any such lands and there to make such investigations and do such things as shall appear to him or them to be necessary for the purpose of making such report.
(3) Upon receiving the report of the county surveyor on such petition the council, at a meeting of which not less than seven days' notice has been given to each member, shall consider such petition and such report and may, if they think fit, pass a resolution—
(a) either approving of the proposals contained in the petition or declaring that such proposals require further investigation, and in either case
(b) requesting the Commissioners to examine such proposals and to consider whether a drainage scheme should be prepared and a separate drainage district constituted to give effect to such proposals, and
(c) undertaking that if the lands referred to in the petition or any part thereof, either together with or without other lands in the neighbourhood thereof, are constituted a separate drainage district the council would maintain the drainage works constructed in such drainage district so far as the same are situate in their county and would collect and pay the terminable annuity, drainage rates, and other moneys collectable or payable by them in respect of the construction or maintenance of such works.
(4) Where any such resolution as aforesaid is duly passed by the council of a county, the secretary of the council shall forthwith send to the Commissioners a copy of such resolution and of the petition (with the map annexed thereto) to which the resolution relates.
(5) Where the council of a county, having considered any such petition and report, do not pass any such resolutions as aforesaid the secretary of the council shall forthwith send a copy of the petition (with the map annexed thereto) and of the report to the Commissioners.
(6) Where any such petition is presented to the councils of two or more counties pursuant to this Act such councils may combine for the purpose of considering such petition and, in lieu of referring the petition to the county surveyor of each such county, may refer the petition to the county surveyor of one such county and in such case every such council may act under this section on the report of such county surveyor.
(7) Any county council or combination of county councils, in lieu of referring such petition to a county surveyor, may with the sanction of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health refer the petition to some other qualified engineer nominated by such council or councils, and in such case all references in this section to a county surveyor shall be construed and have effect as references to such qualified engineer and the remuneration of such qualified engineer shall be paid out of the county fund of the council or in such proportions as the Minister for Local Government and Public Health may direct out of the several county funds of the councils by whom he is appointed.
Examination of petition by Commissioners.
4.—(1) When the Commissioners have received pursuant to this Act either—
(a) a copy of a resolution and petition from the secretary of the council of the county in which the lands proposed in such petition to be constituted a separate drainage district are wholly situate, or
(b) copies of resolutions and petitions from the secretary of the council of every county in which any part of the lands proposed in such petition to be constituted a separate drainage district is situate,
the Commissioners shall appoint a qualified engineer and, if they so consider necessary, also a person having experience in the valuation of land to examine and report to the Commissioners upon the proposals contained in such petition.
(2) Every person appointed by the Commissioners to report to them under this section in respect of a petition shall be entitled at all reasonable times to enter with assistants and workmen upon the lands referred to in such petition and such other lands in the neighbourhood thereof as he shall think necessary and also any premises on any such lands and there to make such investigations and do such things as shall appear to him to be necessary for the purposes of his report.
Procedure when Commissioners decide against petition.
5.—If the Commissioners, having considered the resolution or resolutions and petition of which copies are sent to them by the secretary of a county council or secretaries of county councils pursuant to this Act and the reports of such persons as they shall have appointed to report on the proposals contained in such petition, are of opinion that the circumstances are not such as to justify the preparation of a drainage scheme or the constitution of a separate drainage district they shall so inform such county council or county councils and shall at the same time communicate to such council or councils the reasons on which such opinion is based.
Procedure where Commissioners decide for petition.
6.—(1) If the Commissioners, having considered a resolution or resolutions and petition of which copies are sent to them by the secretary of a county council or secretaries of county councils pursuant to this Act and the reports of such persons as they shall have appointed to report on the proposals contained in such petition, are of opinion that the circumstances are such as to justify the preparation of a drainage scheme and the constitution of a separate drainage district to effect the objects of such proposals they shall so inform such county council or county councils and shall prepare a drainage scheme accordingly.
(2) Every drainage scheme prepared by the Commissioners under this Act shall show either in the body of the scheme or by means of appropriate maps, drawings, plans, sections, and schedules annexed thereto the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) the rivers, streams, or waters proposed to be dealt with and the lands proposed to be drained or improved, and
(b) the works proposed to be executed, and
(c) the lands and premises proposed to be compulsorily acquired, the easements, water-rights, and other rights proposed to be compulsorily acquired, restricted, terminated, or otherwise interfered with, and the roads and bridges (whether public or private) proposed to be diverted, removed, or otherwise interfered with, and
(d) the rated occupiers of the several lands proposed to be drained or improved, the respective values of such several lands at the time of the preparation of the scheme, and the probable amount by which such values would respectively be increased by the execution of the proposed works, and
(e) the reputed proprietors, owners, and rated or other occupiers of the several lands and premises, easements, water-rights, and other rights, private roads and bridges proposed to be compulsorily acquired, restricted, terminated or otherwise interfered with or affected, and an estimate of the compensation which would be payable to such proprietors, owners and occupiers respectively on account of such compulsory acquisition, restriction, termination, interference, or affection, and
(f) the area to be constituted a separate drainage district on the completion of the proposed works, and
(g) an estimate of the cost of the execution of the proposed works and of the expenses generally of carrying out the scheme, and
(h) the amount which the Minister for Finance proposes to contribute out of moneys to be provided by the Oireachtas towards the cost and expenses of carrying out the scheme.
(3) Where a drainage scheme is carried out and a separate drainage district constituted pursuant thereto, the expenses incurred by the Commissioners in considering and examining the resolution or resolutions and the petition and the proposals contained therein and in preparing the drainage scheme shall be part of the general expenses of carrying the scheme into execution and shall be paid accordingly.
(4) Where a drainage scheme is for any reason not fully carried out and no separate drainage district is constituted in pursuance thereof the expenses incurred by the Commissioners in considering and examining the resolution or resolutions and the proposals contained therein and in preparing the drainage scheme and in the carrying out of the scheme so far as the same is actually carried out shall be defrayed as to two-thirds thereof out of moneys to be provided by the Oireachtas and as to one-third thereof either (as the case may be) by the county council by which the resolution was passed or by the several county councils by which the resolutions were passed in such proportions as shall be directed by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, and in either case out of such funds and by means of such rate as the said Minister shall direct.
Publication of notices of drainage scheme.
7.—(1) When a drainage scheme has been prepared by the Commissioners under this Act, the Commissioners shall—
(a) publish by advertisement in the Iris Oifigiúil and one or more newspapers circulating in the district to which the scheme relates a notice stating that the scheme has been made, and the townlands to which it relates, and naming a convenient place where the scheme (with all maps and other documents annexed thereto) or a copy thereof can be inspected, and
(b) serve on all rated occupiers of lands proposed in the scheme to be drained or improved a copy of the notice to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil pursuant to the foregoing paragraph and also a notice requiring the rated occupier on whom the same is served to inform the Commissioners in the manner and within the time (not being less than one month) therein specified whether he assents to or dissents from the scheme and whether he has any, and if so what, objection to the scheme or any map or other document annexed thereto, and
(c) serve on all reputed proprietors, owners, and occupiers of lands, rights, or other property proposed in the scheme to be compulsorily acquired, interfered with, or otherwise affected a copy of the notice to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as aforesaid and also a notice informing such proprietor, owner, or occupier that the scheme proposes the compulsory acquisition of or interference with some land, right, or other property (which interference (if any) and property shall be fully described in the notice) owned or occupied by him and requiring him, if he has any objection to the scheme or any map or other document annexed thereto, to communicate such objection to the Commissioners in the manner and within the time (not being less than one month) therein specified, and
(d) serve on the local authority charged with the maintenance of any public road or bridge proposed in the scheme to be diverted, removed, or otherwise interfered with a copy of the notice to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as aforesaid and also a notice informing such local authority of the diversion, removal, or other interference so proposed.
(2) Every notice and other document to be served under this section may be served by sending the same by prepaid post in an envelope addressed to the person to be served therewith at his usual or last-known address, or (where no such address is known) at the lands or the place of situation of the right or property to which the notice relates, and every notice or other document so served shall be deemed to be served at the time at which the envelope containing the same would be delivered at the address named thereon in the ordinary course of post.
Objections to drainage.
8.—(1) The Commissioners shall in due course examine the communications received by them from rated occupiers of lands proposed in the drainage scheme to be drained or improved and shall ascertain the number of such occupiers who in the manner and within the time specified in the notices served on them by the Commissioners have dissented from the scheme (which occupiers are hereinafter referred to as “dissenting occupiers”), and shall further ascertain the aggregate value of the lands occupied by dissenting occupiers which are proposed in the scheme to be drained or improved, and, if such aggregate value is more than half the total value of all the lands proposed in the scheme to be drained or improved, the Commissioners shall take no further steps in regard to the drainage scheme but they may if they so think fit prepare a new or a modified drainage scheme to effect the objects or some of the objects of the proposals contained in the petition and in such case the provisions of this Act (including this section) shall apply to such new or modified scheme as fully as they apply to an original drainage scheme.
(2) If the aggregate value of the lands occupied by dissenting occupiers which are proposed in the scheme to be drained or improved is equal to or less than half the total value of all the lands proposed in the scheme to be drained or improved, the Commissioners shall examine the objections (if any) to the scheme sent by rated occupiers of lands proposed in the scheme to be drained or improved or by reputed proprietors, owners, or occupiers of lands, rights, or property proposed in the scheme to be compulsorily acquired, interfered with, or otherwise affected to the Commissioners in the manner and within the time specified in the notices served under this Act, and the Commissioners may reject any such objections which appear to them to be merely frivolous or vexatious.
(3) If on such examination of communications it appears that there are no such objections or all such objections are either rejected or withdrawn the Commissioners shall present the drainage scheme to the Minister for Finance for confirmation, but if on such examination it appears that there is any such objection which is not rejected or withdrawn, the Commissioners shall cause a public inquiry into such objections to be held as hereinafter provided.
(4) The value of any land for the purposes of this section shall be the value thereof as stated in the drainage scheme.
Inquiry in respect of objections.
9.—(1) A public inquiry in respect of objections to a drainage scheme shall be held by the person appointed for the purpose by the Commissioners and at such time and place as the Commissioners shall direct, and public notice of the holding of such inquiry shall be given in such manner as the Commissioners think proper and the Commissioners shall also send by prepaid post special notice of the holding of the inquiry to the persons who have made the objections in respect of which the inquiry is held.
(2) The following persons shall be entitled to appear and be heard (in person or by solicitor or counsel) and adduce evidence at the inquiry, that is to say:—
(a) the several persons who have made the objections in respect of which the inquiry is held, and
(b) any of the petitioners on whose petition the drainage scheme was prepared, and
(c) the county council or several county councils on whose resolution or resolutions the drainage scheme was prepared, and
(d) any other person interested in the drainage scheme whom the person holding the inquiry thinks fit to hear.
(3) The person holding such inquiry as aforesaid shall at the conclusion thereof report thereon to the Commissioners, and the Commissioners having considered such report may make such alterations (whether by way of variation, addition, or omission) in the drainage scheme as they think proper and shall then present the drainage scheme to the Minister for Finance for confirmation.
(4) The costs and expenses incurred by the Commissioners in holding any such inquiry shall be deemed to be part of the expenses of the preparation of the drainage scheme by the Commissioners.
Confirmation of drainage scheme by Minister for Finance.
10.—(1) A drainage scheme presented by the Commissioners to the Minister for Finance for confirmation shall be accompanied by such recommendations as the Commissioners shall think fit to make in relation to the confirmation or refusal of confirmation of the scheme or any part thereof, and the Minister for Finance having considered such recommendations may if he thinks fit by order confirm the scheme either without alteration or with such alterations (whether by way of variation, addition or omission) as he thinks proper to make therein, or may refuse to confirm the scheme.
(2) Within one month after the making of an order confirming a drainage scheme under this section the Commissioners shall serve a copy of the order on the several reputed proprietors, owners, and rated or other occupiers of all lands, rights, and other property proposed in the scheme to be compulsorily acquired, interfered with, or otherwise affected.
Commissioners to carry out drainage scheme when confirmed.
11.—When an order has been made by the Minister for Finance under this Act confirming a drainage scheme the Commissioners shall proceed to carry out the scheme and for that purpose the order shall operate to confer on the Commissioners power—
(a) to construct, execute, and complete the works specified in the scheme with such reasonable additions, omissions, variations, and deviations as shall in the course of the work be found necessary, and
(b) to enter on any land or premises and there to do all such acts and things as shall be reasonably necessary for or incidental to the construction, execution, or completion of the works with such additions, omissions, variations, and deviations as aforesaid, and
(c) to acquire compulsorily the several lands and premises, easements, water-rights, and other rights proposed in the scheme to be so acquired, and, if the Commissioners think fit so to do, to enter on any such lands or premises or exercise any of such easements, water-rights, and other rights at any time after the confirmation of the drainage scheme and before the conveyance or ascertainment of price of such lands, premises, easements, or rights, and
(d) to restrict, terminate, or otherwise interfere with any easements, water-rights, or other rights proposed in the scheme to be compulsorily restricted, terminated, or interfered with, and to divert, remove, or otherwise interfere with any roads or bridges proposed in the scheme to be diverted, removed, or interfered with, and, if the Commissioners so think fit, to do any of the things aforesaid at any time after the confirmation of the drainage scheme and before any conveyance or ascertainment of compensation in respect thereof, and
(e) to do all such other acts and things as in the opinion of the Commissioners shall be necessary or proper for or reasonably incidental to the due carrying out of the scheme and are not specifically provided for by this Act.
Mode of fixing amount of compensation.
12.—(1) As soon as may be after the date of the order of the Minister for Finance confirming the drainage scheme the Commissioners shall proceed to acquire the several lands and premises, easements, water-rights and other rights proposed in the scheme to be compulsorily acquired, and the compensation to be paid for such lands, premises, and rights to the several persons entitled thereto or having estates or interests therein, or entitled to or having estates or interests in the lands and premises over which such rights are to be acquired shall, in default of agreement, be fixed under and in accordance with the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919.
(2) The amount of compensation payable—
(a) to any person on account of the compulsory restriction, termination, or other interference with any easement, water-right, or other right or the diversion, removal, or other interference with any private road or bridge under or in pursuance of the drainage scheme, or
(b) to any authority or body charged with maintenance of any public road or bridge on account of the diversion, removal, or other interference with such road or bridge under or in pursuance of the drainage scheme,
shall, in default of agreement, be fixed under and in accordance with the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919, in like manner as if such compensation were the price of land compulsorily acquired.
(3) When compensation is being assessed in pursuance of this section in respect of any lands, premises, or right which are or is occupied, used, or enjoyed with or form or forms part of any mill or factory regard shall be had to any benefit resulting or which may result from any improvement in the water-power of such mill or factory or the constancy of the supply of water to it or relief from back water which may reasonably be expected to arise from the execution of the works specified in the drainage scheme.
(4) Sections 69 to 83 of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845, shall apply to the compensation payable by the Commissioners and to the conveyances of lands, premises, and rights to the Commissioners under this Act, and for the purposes of such application the Commissioners shall be deemed to be the promoters of the undertaking.
(5) No action shall lie at law or in equity against the Commissioners or any of their officers or servants in respect of any act, matter, or thing in respect of which compensation is payable by virtue of this section.
Provision of money for carrying out drainage scheme.
13.—The money necessary to defray the cost and expenses incurred by the Commissioners in carrying out the drainage scheme and executing the works therein specified (including all compensation and other moneys payable and all incidental expenses) shall be provided as follows:—
(a) the Minister for Finance may pay out of moneys to be provided by the Oireachtas so much as he shall think proper of such costs and expenses;
(b) the council of any county in which the area proposed in the drainage scheme to be constituted a separate drainage district or any part of such area is situate may out of the county fund or out of moneys raised for the purpose by borrowing under this Act pay to the Commissioners so much of such costs and expenses as such council shall with the approval of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health think proper;
(c) the balance of such costs and expenses over and above the amounts (if any) provided under the foregoing paragraphs shall be advanced by the Commissioners out of moneys under their control and applicable to loans and shall be repaid to the Commissioners in the manner hereinafter provided.
Commissioners to prepare draft award.
14.—(1) When and so soon as the drainage scheme has been fully carried out and all the works to be executed pursuant thereto have been completed, the Commissioners shall prepare and publish a draft award.
(2) Every draft award prepared under this section shall show either in the body of the award or by means of appropriate maps, drawings, plans, sections, and schedules annexed thereto the following matters:—
(a) in general terms, the lands drained or improved and the works executed pursuant to the drainage scheme, and
(b) the particular lands actually drained or improved, the rated occupiers of such lands, and the several quantities of such lands occupied by such rated occupiers respectively, and
(c) the respective values at the date of the preparation of the drainage scheme of the said several quantities of the lands so drained or improved, and the amounts by which such values are respectively increased by the execution of the said works, and
(d) the total amount of all the costs and expenses incurred by the Commissioners in the execution of works pursuant to the drainage scheme and generally in carrying out the drainage scheme, and
(e) the amount of the portion of the costs and expenses aforesaid which was defrayed out of moneys advanced by the Commissioners (which portion is in this Act occasionally referred to as the advances by the Commissioners), and
(f) the amount of the terminable annuity by which the advances by the Commissioners are to be repaid in accordance with this Act, and
(g) the proportions in which the said lands so drained or improved are to be liable to contribute to the drainage rate for payment of the said terminable annuity and the annual cost of the maintenance of the said works, and
(h) the county or several counties in which the said lands so drained or improved are situate, and, where such lands are situate in more than one county, the proportions in which the advances by the Commissioners and the interest thereon and the said terminable annuity and the said annual cost of maintenance are to be borne by the respective councils of such counties, and
(i) the area to be constituted as a separate drainage district in accordance with the drainage scheme.
(3) Every such draft award shall also contain in draft form the several provisions necessary for doing or providing for every matter or thing which is by this Act required to be expressed in or to be done or provided for by a final award.
(4) In fixing for the purposes of the draft award or a final award the proportions in which any sum or rate is to be borne by the several quantities of the lands so drained or improved the Commissioners shall have regard to the extent to which such lands are respectively benefited or improved by the carrying out of the drainage scheme.
Publication of notices of draft award.
15.—(1) When a draft has been prepared by the Commissioners under this Act, the Commissioners shall publish by advertisement in the Iris Oifigiúil and one or more newspapers circulating in the district to which the final award when made would relate a notice stating that the draft award has been prepared and the townlands to which it relates and naming a convenient place where the draft award (with all maps and other documents annexed thereto) or a copy thereof can be inspected, and further stating that a public inquiry will be held in relation to the draft award at the time (not being less than three weeks after the first publication of such notice) and place specified in the notice.
(2) At the time and place specified in that behalf in the notices published pursuant to the foregoing sub-section a public inquiry in relation to the draft award shall be held by a person appointed for the purpose by the Commissioners, and all persons who in the opinion of the person holding the inquiry would be interested in or affected by the final award if made in the form of the draft award shall be entitled to appear and be heard (in person or by solicitor or counsel) and adduce evidence at such inquiry.
(3) The person holding such inquiry as aforesaid shall at the conclusion thereof report thereon to the Commissioners, and the Commissioners having considered such report may make such alterations (whether by way of variation, addition, or omission) in the draft award as they think proper.
(4) When the Commissioners have approved of the draft award with such alterations (if any) as aforesaid they shall make a final award in the terms of the draft award as so approved and such final award shall operate as is hereinafter in this Act specified.
(5) The Commissioners shall cause a true copy of the final award to be made and shall by endorsement thereon certify the same to be correct and shall then enroll the final award in the Record and Writ Office of the High Court and shall retain the said certified copy of the final award in their own custody.
(6) The final award when duly enrolled pursuant to this section shall be conclusive and binding on all parties, and a copy thereof issued and certified by the proper officer of the High Court shall be conclusive evidence that the final award was duly made and shall also be conclusive evidence of the contents of the final award.
Terminable annuity for repayment of advances by Commissioners.
16.—(1) Interest at the rate directed by the Minister for Finance on the advances by the Commissioners from the date or respective dates on which the same were advanced up to the commencement of the terminable annuity for the repayment thereof shall be capitalised and the total amount of such advances and the capitalised interest thereon shall be repaid to the Commissioners with interest at the rate directed by the Minister for Finance by means of a terminable annuity calculated in such manner and continuing for such number of years as the Minister for Finance shall direct.
(2) The final award shall, in addition to the amount of the terminable annuity, prescribe the date (not being more than three months before or three months after the date of the final award) from which the said terminable annuity is to commence, the half-yearly days on which the same is to be payable, and the number of years during which it is to continue, and the said annuity shall be payable accordingly.
Payment of terminable annuities by county councils.
17.—(1) The final award shall operate and be expressed to charge the advances by the Commissioners and the interest thereon and the terminable annuity for repayment thereof on the county fund of the county in which the lands so drained or improved as aforesaid are situate or, where such lands are situate in more than one county, on the respective county funds of all such counties in the proportions in which the councils of such counties are stated in the final award to be liable to contribute thereto.
(2) The terminable annuity for the repayment of the advances by the Commissioners shall be paid to the Commissioners by the county council on whose county fund the same is charged or, where the said annuity is charged on more than one county fund, by the several county councils on whose county funds the same is charged in the proportions in which the same is so charged.
(3) Every terminable annuity or portion of a terminable annuity payable by a county council under this section shall be paid by such council at the times and in the manner appointed for the payment thereof by the final award and shall be so paid out of the moneys raised by such council by means of the drainage rate and if and so far as such moneys are not sufficient out of the county fund.
(4) All moneys payable by the council of a county to the Commissioners in respect of a terminable annuity under this Act may be recovered by the Commissioners from such council by action at law.
Constitution of separate drainage district.
18.—(1) The final award shall operate and be expressed to constitute the area specified in that behalf therein to be a separate drainage district.
(2) The area constituted by a final award to be a separate drainage district may include the whole or any part of one or more drainage districts constituted under the Drainage and Navigation (Ireland) Acts, 1842 to 1857, or the Drainage and Improvement of Lands (Ireland) Acts, 1863 to 1892, and existing at the passing of this Act, which districts are in this section referred to as existing drainage districts.
(3) Where the whole of an existing drainage district is included in a drainage district constituted by a final award under this Act, the lands comprised in such existing drainage district shall remain liable to any capital sum charged thereon in respect of the execution of the drainage works in the district and to any rentcharge charged thereon for the repayment of such capital sum and the interest thereon, and such existing drainage district shall continue to exist in so far as is necessary for the collection and recovery of such capital sum and such rentcharge but for all other purposes shall cease to exist as on and from the date of the final award.
(4) Where part of an existing drainage district is included in a drainage district constituted by a final award under this Act, the lands comprised in such part of such existing drainage district shall remain liable to their proper proportion of any capital sum charged on the lands comprised in such existing drainage district in respect of the execution of the drainage works in the district and to their proper proportion of any rentcharge charged on such lands for the repayment of such capital sum and the interest thereon, and such part of such existing drainage district shall continue to form part of such district for all purposes relating to the collection and recovery of such capital sum and such rentcharge but for all other purposes shall cease to form part of such existing drainage district.
Maintenance of drainage works.
19.—(1) The final award shall operate and be expressed to charge, impose, and confer on the council of the county in which the drainage district thereby constituted is situate, or, where such district is situate in two or more counties, on the several councils of those counties jointly, the duty and power of maintaining the drainage works the subject of the final award in good repair and condition and proper and efficient working order, and of doing all matters and things reasonably necessary for or incidental to such maintenance.
(2) All costs and expenses incurred by a county council or county councils in the performance of their duty of maintaining drainage works pursuant to a final award shall be raised by such county council or county councils off the drainage district by means of the drainage rate and where the district is situate in two or more counties, in the proportions in which the councils are stated in the final award to be liable thereto.
Disposal of lands, etc., acquired under drainage schemes.
20.—(1) When preparing the draft award the Commissioners shall inquire and determine whether any and if so what lands, premises, easements, water-rights, and other rights acquired by them pursuant to the drainage scheme are unnecessary and not required for the drainage works or the proper maintenance and working thereof.
(2) The final award shall operate and be expressed to vest in the county council thereby charged with the duty of maintaining the drainage works, or, where two or more such county councils are so charged, in such county councils jointly the drainage works executed by the Commissioners pursuant to the drainage scheme together with all lands, premises, easements, water-rights, and other rights acquired by the Commissioners pursuant to the drainage scheme other than any such lands, premises, easements, water-rights, and other rights determined by the Commissioners under this section to be unnecessary and not required as aforesaid.
(3) All such lands, premises, easements, water-rights, and other rights so determined by the Commissioners to be unnecessary and not required as aforesaid shall be sold or otherwise disposed by the Commissioners for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minister for Finance shall appoint.
Making of drainage rate.
21.—(1) All moneys which are by this Act required to be raised for the purposes of a drainage district by the council of a county by means of the drainage rate shall be raised by means of a rate (to be known as the drainage rate) assessed on the rated occupiers of the lands situate in the county and stated in the final award to have been drained or improved in the proportions in which such lands are stated in such final award to be liable to contribute to the drainage rate.
(2) The drainage rate shall be made at the same time and subject to the same appeal as the poor-rate and, if the county council so thinks fit, may be collected with the poor rate, and shall in any case be leviable, payable, and recoverable in the like manner and by the like means in all respects as poor-rate is leviable, payable, and recoverable.
(3) Where the rated occupier of any lands, buildings, or premises rated in respect of a drainage rate is also the rated occupier of other lands, buildings, or premises forming part of or comprised in the same holding, farm, or tenement as the first-mentioned lands, buildings, or premises, any sum assessed on such rated occupier in respect of drainage rate under this section may be assessed on and collected and recovered from him in like manner as if such sum were payable in respect of his occupation of the whole of such holding, farm, or tenement.
Raising of moneys by county councils.
22.—(1) All moneys which a county council is by this Act authorised or directed to pay out of the county fund and also all expenses incurred by a county council in the execution of this Act and the raising of which is not otherwise provided for by this Act shall be raised by means of the poor-rate as a county-at-large charge.
(2) Where a county council is authorised by this Act to borrow money for any purpose such council may borrow such money under Article 22 of the Local Government (Application of Enactments) Order, 1898, in like manner as if such purpose were mentioned in that Article, and money borrowed for any such purpose shall not be reckoned as part of the debt of the council for the purposes of the said Article.
(3) The cost of any loan borrowed under this section and the moneys for the re-payment thereof and for the payment of the interest thereon shall be raised by means of the poor-rate as a county-at-large charge.
County councils may appoint committees.
23.—(1) Where the duty and power of maintaining drainage works is charged, imposed, and conferred by a final award on one county council, such duty may be performed and such power may be exercised by a committee appointed by such county council and consisting of such number of members of the county council and such number of persons who are not members of the county council as the Minister for Local Government and Public Health shall direct.
(2) Where the duty and power of maintaining drainage works is charged, imposed, and conferred by a final award on two or more county councils jointly, such duty shall be performed and such power shall be exercised by a joint committee of such county councils appointed by them in such proportions and consisting of such number of members of each of such county councils and such number of persons who are not members of any such county council as the Minister for Local Government and Public Health shall direct.
(3) The Minister for Local Government and Public Health may by order make regulations prescribing the time of election (including the first election) of members of committees and joint committees appointed under this section, the period for which such members shall hold office, the method of filling casual vacancies in their number, the disqualification of members who cease to be or become disqualified to be members of the council by which they were appointed, and the conduct of the business of such committees and joint committees.
(4) At least one of the persons, not members of the county council or any of the county councils concerned, who are elected to be members of any committee or joint committee appointed under this section in relation to any drainage works shall be a ratepayer liable to pay drainage rate in respect of such drainage works.
(5) The accounts of every joint committee appointed under this section shall be separately kept and shall be audited by an auditor appointed by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health and the following enactments, that is to say, sections 11 to 15 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1871, sub-section (2) of section 63 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, sections 20 and 21 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1902, and section 61 of the Local Government Act, 1925 (No. 5 of 1925) as amended or adapted by or under any subsequent enactment shall apply to the audit and auditor of the accounts of such joint committees in the same manner as such enactments as so amended or adapted apply to the audit and auditor of the accounts of the public bodies specified therein.
(6) Nothing in this section shall authorise any committee or joint committee appointed under this section to raise any moneys which are by this Act required to be raised by a county council.
County-councils, etc., to furnish annual report.
24.—Every council of a county and every joint committee on which the duty of maintaining a drainage district is imposed by this or any other Act shall furnish to the Commissioners in each year a report in respect of such district in the form and containing the particulars prescribed in that behalf by the Commissioners.
Application of Drainage Maintenance Acts, 1866 and 1924.
25.—The Drainage Maintenance Acts, 1866 and 1924, shall apply to every drainage district constituted under this Act with the modifications that any charging order made under those Acts shall make no charge other than the additional charge directed by section 8 of the Drainage Maintenance Act, 1924, to be made thereby and that the sums and interest thereby charged on the county fund of a county council shall be paid by such council out of moneys raised by such council by means of a drainage rate under this Act (which rate the council is hereby authorised to make) and, if and so far as such moneys are not sufficient, out of the county fund.
Inspection of drainage district.
26.—Without prejudice to the duties and powers of the Commissioners under the Drainage Maintenance Acts, 1866 and 1924, every drainage district constituted under this Act shall be inspected by the Commissioners at least once in every five years, and immediately after such inspection of a drainage district the Commissioners shall send to the council of the county or to the councils of the several counties in which such district is situate a report as to the state of repair and general condition of the drainage works in such district.
Duties of Commissioners in regard to public roads and bridges.
27.—Where a drainage scheme provides for the diversion, removal, or other interference with a public road or bridge the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) where the execution of the works involves the closing of the road or bridge to traffic the Commissioners shall construct and shall maintain while such road or bridge is so closed to traffic a temporary road or bridge sufficient to carry traffic of such quantity and character as normally uses such road or bridge;
(b) the Commissioners shall at or before the completion of the works specified in the drainage scheme either restore the road or bridge to its former condition or construct a new permanent road or bridge sufficient to carry the like amount (in quantity and character) of traffic as the original road or bridge was able to carry and not substantially less convenient in gradient and curve than such original road or bridge;
(c) where the Commissioners construct a permanent new bridge and such bridge confers substantially greater advantages on the public of any county or urban district than the original bridge, by affording an improved means of communication or otherwise, the Commissioners shall certify the cost of such new bridge and the Minister for Local Government and Public Health shall certify what part of such cost in his opinion ought reasonably to be borne by the council of such county or urban district, and thereupon a sum equal to the part so certified of such cost shall be raised by such council as part of the expenses of the maintenance of county or urban roads (as the case may be) and shall be paid by such council to the Commissioners;
(d) no portion payable under this section by the council of a county or urban district of the cost of erecting a new bridge shall be included in the costs and expenses of carrying out the drainage scheme, but all other costs and expenses incurred by the Commissioners in complying with this section shall be part of the costs and expenses of carrying out the drainage scheme;
(e) if any doubt, dispute, or question shall arise as to whether the Commissioners, in the construction, maintenance, or restoration of any temporary or permanent road or bridge pursuant to this section, have complied with the provisions of this section or as to whether a permanent new bridge constructed by the Commissioners confers substantially greater advantages on the public of any county or urban district than the original bridge, such doubt, dispute, or question shall be decided by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
Conduct of public inquiries.
28.—(1) Every person holding a public inquiry under this Act shall have power by notice in writing signed by him to summon witnesses and to require the production of books and other documents, and any person so summoned who fails to attend the inquiry and give evidence thereat and any person who fails or refuses to produce any book or other document the production of which is so required shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
(2) All evidence at any public inquiry under this Act shall be given on oath, which oath the person holding the inquiry is hereby empowered to administer, and any person who gives false evidence at any such inquiry shall be guilty of perjury and be punishable accordingly.
(3) Every person holding a public inquiry under this Act shall be entitled to adjourn the inquiry as he thinks fit and shall also have power to inspect and examine and for that purpose to enter upon any lands and premises affected by the drainage scheme or award in relation to which the inquiry is held or any objection to such scheme or award.
Offences and penalties.
29.—(1) Every person who—
(a) shall wilfully obstruct the Commissioners or any of their officers or servants in the exercise of any of the powers or the performance of any of the duties conferred or imposed on the Commissioners by or under this Act, or
(b) shall wilfully obstruct any person appointed under this Act by the Commissioners or any county council or county councils to make a report for the purpose of this Act in the exercise of any of the powers conferred on him by this Act, or
(c) shall pull down, remove, or injure any works in course of construction by the Commissioners under this Act, or
(d) shall remove, injure, or deface any pegs, poles, or marks placed or made by the Commissioners or any of their officers or servants for the purpose or in the course of the exercise of any of the powers or the performance of any of the duties conferred or imposed on the Commissioners by or under this Act, or
(e) shall throw or put any weeds, stones, soil, or other solid matter or shall cause or permit any such solid matter to fall or pass into any watercourse in respect of which any works are about to be or are in course of being constructed by the Commissioners under this Act so as to cause any obstruction, hindrance, or delay to such works, or
(f) shall place or erect any dam, weir, or other obstruction in any such watercourse as aforesaid without the consent of the Commissioners,
shall be guilty of an offence under this section and be punishable accordingly.
(2) Every person who after any drainage works constructed under this Act are completed—
(a) shall wilfully obstruct the county council or county councils charged by virtue of this Act with the maintenance of such drainage works or any committee or joint committee of such council or councils or any officer or servant of any such council, councils, committee or joint committee in the exercise of any of their powers or the performance of any of their duties in relation to such drainage works, or
(b) shall pull down, remove, or in anywise injure any such drainage works or any part thereof, or
(c) shall obstruct the flow of water to, through, or from any such drainage works in such manner as to prevent or hinder the efficient operation thereof or to cause flooding of such works or any lands drained thereby,
shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be punishable accordingly.
(3) Every person convicted by a court of summary jurisdiction of an offence under this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment, and shall also in the case of a continuing offence be liable to a fine (in addition to any such fine as aforesaid) not exceeding five pounds for every day during which the offence continues.
(4) For the purposes of this section drainage works shall be deemed to be in course of construction until the final award in respect thereof has been made under this Act and shall from and after the making of such award be deemed to be completed.
Committees may make byelaws.
30.—(1) Every county council maintaining drainage works under this Act either directly or through a committee appointed by it and also every joint committee maintaining drainage works under this Act may make byelaws for all or any of the purposes following, that is to say:—
(a) regulating the opening, closing, and working of sluices, hatches, flood-gates, and other machinery comprised in the works,
(b) regulating generally the management and operation of the works,
(c) prohibiting persons from obstructing, polluting, or putting solid matter into any watercourse flowing to, through, or from the works so as to prevent or hinder the efficient operation of the works or to cause flooding of any lands drained by the works,
(d) prohibiting any injury or damage to the works by any person or any interference therewith by unauthorised persons,
(e) compelling persons liable to maintain any watercourse or drain to keep the same cleaned and scoured,
(f) prescribing the penalties which may be inflicted on persons found by a court of summary jurisdiction to be guilty of contravening the byelaws but so that no such penalty shall exceed a fine of twenty-five pounds altogether with, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine of five pounds for every day during which the offence continues or, in any case and at the discretion of the court, imprisonment for a term of three months.
(2) No byelaw made under this section shall be of any force or effect unless and until confirmed by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, and every such byelaw when so confirmed shall come into operation on the date prescribed in that behalf by the said Minister when confirming the same or, if no such date is so prescribed, immediately upon such confirmation.
(3) Any person found guilty by a court of summary jurisdiction of contravening any byelaw made under this section may be sentenced by such court to suffer any penalty not exceeding the penalty prescribed by such byelaws in respect of such contravention or, where no penalty is so prescribed, not exceeding a fine of twenty-five pounds together with, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine of five pounds for every day during which the offence continues or, in any case and at the discretion of the court, imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months.
Short title.
31.—This Act may be cited as the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925.