asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether his Department has received representations from the people of the townland and village of Valley, Achill, to the effect that there is no proper water supply available for the inhabitants of the district, and that the present supply drawn from a neighbouring lake is polluted, and has been declared by an analyst to be unfit for use; whether he is aware that serious illnesses have been caused by the use of the water now available; and if he will say what steps have been, or are being, taken to provide these people with a supply of pure water.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WATER SUPPLY FOR ACHILL.
The complaints received in regard to the water supply to Valley, Achill, were investigated locally by a medical inspector in May, 1926, and were not found to be based on grounds of a serious character. The analyst's report was to the effect that the water was "unfit for use without filtration." The Board of Health were notified that the provision of a small filter and tank connected with a pump would meet the necessities of the case, but when the work was advertised difficulties were aparently experienced in finding a contractor. The present position is indefinite, but the Board of Health were advised on the 2nd instant to undertake the work otherwise than by contract if tenders cannot be obtained.