asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take effective steps to secure the provision of adequate supplies of water piping to enable local authorities to proceed with the schemes of public utility already planned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Piping Supplies.
I assume the Deputy is referring to copper and lead pipes, and not to underground mains, the supply of which is at the moment satisfactory.
The supply position as regards copper and lead piping is very difficult. Home manufacturers are receiving only sufficient raw materials to meet about 50 per cent. of requirements in the case of copper, and 70 per cent. in the case of lead pipes. I am at present exploring how this position might be improved.
The Deputy was referring to underground mains, but through my own fault that was not made clear. The position is far from satisfactory. The Kildare County Council, for example, are told that there is going to be a delay of at least two years. Does the Minister consider that to be a satisfactory position in relation to the new water supply for the town of Newbridge?
Will the Minister bear in mind that this problem is common to every county, and that such water supplies are being held up in every county owing to the lack of these supplies?
Certainly, but the information available to me would seem to indicate that, so far as underground mains are concerned, the position is not unsatisfactory.
Would the Minister indicate to the Kildare County Council and, apparently, to the Cork County Council also where these supplies his Department say are available can be obtained?
Supplies of some sort can be obtained, but, of course, the particular type of pipe the county engineers may prefer may be in short supply.
We will not be able to get any type for two years.