asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the reasons for the delay in providing a water supply for the Boultra-Ballynoe district; further, if he will state whether proposals in the matter have yet been sent to his Department for sanction; and, if so, whether sanction has been given and when the scheme will be advertised for contract.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Water Scheme.
So far as the Department of Local Government is concerned there has been no delay in this matter. A preliminary report, outline plan and estimate which the county council were requested to submit have not yet been received. In the circumstances I am unable to say when the scheme is likely to be ready to go to contract.
Might I refer the Parliamentary Secretary to a reply I received in this House from a former Minister for Local Government, Mr. Keyes, on the 31st May, 1950 stating that a preliminary report had been received by his Department on the 3rd May, 1950 in connection with this work?
What happened to it in between?
Well, it was a long time ago and it is time to shake them up.
The Deputy, who is an influential member of Cork County Council, may be surprised to hear that on 5th February, 1954 the county council were requested to submit a preliminary report and to outline a plan for the scheme. A reply to that letter is still awaited.
If the Parliamentary Secretary will take the liberty to slip down to the Library and look up the Official Report of 31st May, 1950, he will see the reply I received from the former Minister, Deputy Keyes.
(Interruptions.)
Order!
The Deputy should use his influence with the Cork County Council to see that departmental letters are replied to within a reasonable time.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary know what the North Cork people are doing west of Mallow Bridge?
Deputy Corry is interested in east of Mallow Bridge.
These Cork disputes must be settled somewhere else.