asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state when steps were first taken to investigate the purity of the water in the Aran Islands; the result of such inquiries and when steps were first taken by the engineer to deal with the immediate problem, and if he will further state when the islanders can expect positive steps to be taken towards the provision of an adequate pure water supply in each of the islands.
- Aran Islands Water Supply.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his questions on 28th June, 1950, in this matter. The engineering inspection referred to in that reply was carried out and the county engineer reported to the local authority on 22nd September, 1950. The report recommended improvement works on existing wells and these works have been authorised by the local authority. It is understood that the works are at present being put in hands and that they will be completed early this winter. The county engineer's report also suggested that the consulting engineer might be asked to prepare preliminary reports on certain schemes for the provision of piped supplies. A preliminary report on a scheme for Kilcronan has been submitted to the local authority by the consulting engineer. The local authority have requested the views of the county medical officer on the proposal in regard to piped supplies.