asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the cause of the delay in providing a suitable water supply scheme for the residents of Stradbally, County Laoighis, and what is the amount of the grant, if any, provided by the Minister for Finance for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stradbally, County Laoighis, Water Supply.
The delay in this case has arisen, I understand, from the protracted negotiations for the acquisition of the necessary water rights. Approval was given by my Department to the plans as far back as January last, when it appeared likely that the rights would be acquired by agreement at a reasonable amount. Negotiations are still proceeding. While I regret there has been such delay in implementing this scheme, it is not possible for me to intervene in the matter at present. No grant can be allocated until agreement is reached in regard to water rights, and the local authority is in a position to have the work placed under contract.