asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that there is a shortage of water for domestic use in Rush, and that the tomato industry is also severely hampered by this shortage; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that adequate water supplies are made available in this district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rush Water Supply.
Mr. Murphy
I am not aware that a shortage has occurred in the Rush water supply this year. There was a shortage last July and water was conserved by cutting off the supply at night. Presumably similar steps will be taken this summer, if necessary Meanwhile, an augmentation scheme is, I understand, under consideration by the local authority.
Is the Minister aware that there is definitely a shortage of water in Rush and that, as a result of a number of glasshouses having been erected for the growing of tomatoes, the people concerned are at a great disadvantage? For these reasons I should like if the Minister would see that an alternative water supply is provided.
Mr. Murphy
I am not aware that the position is entirely as indicated by the Deputy. As I have said, a shortage was experienced last summer due to certain factors which are stated to include the increase of the summer population and the demands of the tomato growers. On receipt of representations in this regard on behalf of the tomato growers, it was found possible to effect a considerable improvement in the supply generally by cutting off, for a period of about four weeks last July, the water supply between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. There was a considerable improvement as a result of that action. I do not think that the facts as I have got them would justify the suggestion that the Deputy has made in his supplementary question.
That is the information that I have received from the people of Rush and I can assure the Minister I am telling him the truth.
Mr. Murphy
I suggest to the Deputy that the case he is making might be directed in the first instance to the local authority, having regard to the fact that a supplementary or auxiliary scheme is under consideration by the local authority at the moment.