asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that (a) 45 persons residing at Beneavin Terrace, Glasnevin, County Dublin, have been without a water main extension to their houses for the past eight years, in consequence of which they have no proper water supply, whilst they have to pay a water rate to the Dublin County Council; (b) that the construction of a water main extension to Beneavin Terrace was decided upon by the County Dublin Board of Health more than six months ago, but that no steps have so far been taken to provide the necessary supply; (c) that at present the residents are without any water supply, as a pump situated on private lands more than a quarter of a mile away has dried up, and that this constitutes a grave menace to the health of the residents in this area; and whether, in these circumstances, he is in a position to expedite the provision of the water supply in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Glasnevin Water Supply.
As regards the first part of the question, I have no information in regard to the position other than that an extension of water supply to houses at Beneavin Terrace was submitted to my Department by the board of health in May, 1941. Approval to the plans was given in August, 1941. Subsequently an application for a loan was made and sanctioned. A tender for carrying out of the work was accepted on the 21st January last, but I am informed that the contractor has not been able to secure pipes. In the meantime to facilitate the occupiers, a fountain has been erected on the termination of the existing water main, which is within 300 yards of the houses. The county commissioner is doing everything possible to obtain pipes to enable the extension of the water supply to be undertaken.
I understand, from the Parliamentary Secretary, that the real difficulty is concerned with securing the necessary materials?
Yes, that is right.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the adjoining local authority—the Dublin Corporation—is experiencing no such difficulty, and would he, therefore, urge the local authority which, in this case, is the commissioner for County Dublin, to pursue a more energetic policy? I understand that all that is required in this case is something like 300 yards of piping, and having regard to the fact that 45 persons, within a stone's throw of the capital city, are living under primitive conditions, will the Parliamentary Secretary see that everything possible will be done to settle this matter?
Everything that can be done is being done.