asked the Minister for Local Government if he will negotiate with the Six-County authorities with a view to reaching an agreement whereby Six-County water schemes which end at the Border could be extended cross-border to supply towns such as Muff and Carrigans and the reconstruction of common bridges like Lifford bridge undertaken by co-operation between the local authorities on both sides.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co-operation with Six-County Local Authorities.
The necessity for my intervening in the manner suggestedas regards water supply schemes has not been brought to my notice in any particular case. The existing law permits of co-operation of the type envisaged and any preliminary negotiations can be carried out directly by the local authorities concerned.
As regards Lifford bridge, negotiations of the nature suggested have already taken place and enabling provisions are proposed in pending legislation to empower a county council to undertake jointly with a cross-border local authority the reconstruction of a border bridge such as Lifford bridge.