3.—(1) The Council known as the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland (in this Order referred to as “the Drainage Council”) shall, subject to paragraph (2), continue in being as such, and the provisions of Schedule 1 shall have effect with respect to the constitution and proceedings of the Drainage Council.
Paras.(2)(3) rep. by SLR 1980
(4) The Drainage Council shall—
(a)after considering such particulars of any watercourses in Northern Ireland as may be submitted to it by the Ministry or by any other person, determine which of such watercourses, or portions thereof, are to be treated or, as the case may be, are not to continue to be treated as designated watercourses for the purposes of this Order;
(b)after considering such particulars of any sea defences in Northern Ireland as may be submitted to it by the Ministry determine which of such sea defences, or portions thereof, are to be or, as the case may be, are not to continue to be treated as designated sea defences for the purposes of this Order;
(c)consider the proposals of the Ministry in respect of drainage schemes, and substantial variations suggested by the Ministry in relation to drainage schemes;
(d)consider all bye-laws proposed to be made by the Ministry under Article 22 in respect of the maintenance and efficient operation of drainage works;
(e)consider drainage proposals affecting roads, bridges, culverts and embankments;
(f)consider such matters affecting or affected by drainage questions as may be referred to it by the Ministry or, after consultation with the Ministry, by any other government department.
(5) The Drainage Council, in determining matters coming before it in pursuance of this Article, shall have regard to the uniform treatment of drainage throughout Northern Ireland, and shall consider all such matters and schemes in their relation to any interest which may appear to the Drainage Council to be affected.
(6) The Ministry shall consult the Drainage Council with regard to the general drainage programmes from time to time proposed by the Ministry, shall cause an annual summary of the work of the Ministry in relation to drainage to be made available to the Council and shall, if requested, supply the Council with full information as to the progress of any drainage works being undertaken by or on behalf of the Ministry.
(7) The expenses of the Drainage Council, to such amount as may be approved by the Ministry of Finance, shall be paid by the Ministry.