asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that at a recent meeting of Trim Urban Council, County Meath, there was serious dissatisfaction expressed at the manner in which the sewerage scheme at High Street was carried out making the scheme more costly than it was originally estimated; and if he will have the extra cost borne by his Department and not imposed on the local ratepayers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trim Sewerage Scheme.
I am aware of the circumstances referred to in the first part of the Deputy's question. An understandable error occurred in the surveys, there being no plans of the old sewers in existence. Such surveys are, however, made by persons employed by the local authority and not by officers ofmy Department. I do not, therefore, accept the suggestion that the whole of the extra cost involved should be a charge against my Department's funds although, in fact, half of it will be met in this manner by the recoupment of loan charges in respect of the scheme.