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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1943

Vol. 89 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athy Housing Scheme—Sewerage Provision.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether any proposals have been received for the provision of sewerage at Black Parks Housing Scheme, Athy; and, if so, whether he will state how the matter now stands.

In November, 1941, the Athy Urban District Council submitted proposals for the drainage of 24 houses at Plewman's Terrace, Black Parks Road. These houses, which were completed in 1937, are provided with earth closets. The proposal for a water borne system of sewerage would involve discharging the sewage of these houses untreated into the canal via an existing rubble drain. This drain was originally intended to carry off surface water. A number of houses other than those which were the subject of the proposal were already connected with this drain, and the county medical officer of health gave it as his opinion that if the sewage from the 24 houses in question were to be added a nuisance would arise at the point of discharge. Last August the council were informed that in view of this report, the submission of alternative proposals for dealing with the situation would be awaited. These proposals have not since been furnished.

In view of the deplorable conditions in this particular colony of houses, conditions which may ultimately lead to serious disease in the town, will the Minister cause some of his inspectors to investigate the matter with a view to expediting the provision of a decent sewerage scheme because it is vitally necessary in the interest of the public health of the town?

I would point out to the Deputy that I have already told him that the proposals which were submitted were, from the point of view of public health, unsatisfactory and that we are awaiting alternative proposals. The responsibility in that respect must rest with the local authority.

The Minister is still the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, and I suggest that if the local authority is not doing its duty in this matter it is desirable that the Minister's Department should intervene with a view to accelerating the provision of a decent sewerage system.

I have no reason to believe that the local authority is not doing its duty. The fact is that the local authority has done a very great deal.

The county manager.

In that particular area, if the Minister investigates the matter, he will find that the sewerage scheme is positively appalling. Will the Minister endeavour to use his good offices to expedite the submission of proposals for a decent scheme?

We have already indicated to them that we are awaiting these proposals.

Could the Minister not get impatient at all?

The Minister for Local Government and Public Health has been told often enough to keep his hands off the business of the local authorities. I have to bear that in mind.

Take your foot off them.

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