asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has received proposals for the provision of sewerage and water schemes for the village of Rockcorry, County Monaghan; and if so, when sanction for these undertakings will be forthcoming.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Sewerage Scheme.
Preliminary plans have been received in my Department for the provision of water and sewerage facilities at Rockcorry. The schemes form part of a large programme of post-emergency works to be undertaken by the Monaghan County Council. The cost of the schemes for Rockcorry is very high in relation to the population to be served and this aspect will require careful consideration in view of the magnitude of the contemplated expenditure on public health works in the county.
Can the Minister give any indication as to when he will communicate to the local authority his views as to the propriety of providing these people with a water supply?
The views of the Department in that regard will be conveyed in due course to the local authority.
There is no need for the Minister to become rude. The people in Rockcorry have no water. They are trying to get a pump and they are asking, not for the last three months but for the last nine months, when they are likely to get it. Can the Minister give me any approximate date at which these people may reasonably expect to have the plan finally approved and executed?
I am afraid the Deputy has put his question under a misapprehension. The people of Rockcorry are not content to have a pump. They want to have a water supply and a sewerage scheme at a cost of £10,000 for 170 people.
They are asking for a pump for the time being in the hope that they will get a proper water supply. Can the Minister tell me now the approximate date at which the Department is likely to come to a decision on the proposal which has been approved by the local authority?
This proposal is only one of about eight schemes in various districts in County Monaghan which are under consideration by the Department. I am afraid the Rockcorry people will have to take their order in the queue.
For how long?
I have said before that they must take their place in the queue.
Could the Minister not fix on some definite date?
I cannot say when I shall be in a position to state when the Rockcorry scheme will go ahead.