asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the people residing in the town of Ballindine, County Mayo, are at a serious disadvantage because of an inadequate water supply; and if he will state what steps have been taken to provide proper water facilities for the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballindine Water Supply.
I am aware of the need for an adequate water supply for Ballindine and am informed by the county council that instructions have been issued to the consulting engineer to have a survey carried out in connection with the scheme for the town.
I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary must be aware that about 15 years ago a scheme was suggested by the county council for the town of Ballindine and about ten years ago a complaint was made by the local doctor with regard to the water and sewerage facilities there. Surely it is about time that something should be done because the Parliamentary Secretary must be further aware that in this locality within the past three months there have been one or two outbreaks of infantile paralysis and two or three outbreaks of fever. These outbreaks are caused by bad water supplies and sewerage and it is well time that the matter should be looked into.
A scheme for Ballindine was listed No. 7 in order of priority for emergency water supplies and it was agreed that it could not be included in the list of priorities for permanent works. The Minister for Local Government nevertheless would not object if it were listed above No. 7.
The Parliamentary Secretary knows that the outbreaks to which I have referred have occurred within the past three months and that this is one of the first schemes that should be looked into. I suppose it will be sent back to the county council and perhaps back to the Department again before any steps are taken to implement it.
There is nothing to prevent the county council from putting it higher up in the list of priorities.
The Department is responsible for putting it down.