asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will cause inquiries to be made concerning the alleged dangerous condition of the sewerage system at Abbeyleix, County Laoighis; whether he is aware that repeated representations were made to the county manager for its immediate improvement by ratepayers residing in the town; and if he can state the reason for the failure to meet the wishes of those concerned.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abbeyleix Sewerage System.
It has been ascertained that a memorial signed by a number of ratepayers in Abbeyleix was addressed to the local authority about February last regarding the necessity for carrying out improvement works to the sewerage scheme and that representations to the same effect were made by the parish council in the following May. In response to these representations the county manager had the entire system inspected and, on the recommendation of the county engineer, had improvements carried out at a cost of £86. When these works had been completed a further recommendation was received from the county engineer to the effect that it might be necessary to have a further section of the sewer cleaned at an approximate cost of £100. Before finally deciding on this expenditure it was found necessary to keep the system under constant observation. On the occasion of recent inspections after heavy rain it is stated that flooding—the main subject of the representations made—did not occur and that the system was working in a reasonably satisfactory manner. In these circumstances it is not at present deemed necessary by the local authority to incur further expenditure on improvement works. The scheme is, however, being regularly inspected by the responsible officers of the local authority, and any further improvements which may be necessary to keep the system in a proper state of maintenance will be undertaken.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary get in touch with the county manager for the purpose of ascertaining whether it is advisable, in the existing circumstances, to authorise the appointment of a consulting engineer to report on the allegations made by the local ratepayers?
That is a separate matter.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider it?
I will remember that the Deputy mentioned it.