asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state whether he has received proposals in regard to a North Dublin regional water supply scheme, and, if so, what towns and districts are included in the proposals; further, when a decision in the matter may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Dublin Water Scheme.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the general disappointment in the North County Dublin area in regard to the delay in extending the North County Dublin regional water scheme to Malahide, Swords, Donabate, Lusk, Rush, Skerries and Balbriggan, and, if so, if he will state the cause of the delay.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that owing to the lack of a piped water supply people in certain areas of County Dublin are forced to drink contaminated water, and, if so, if he will request the Dublin County Council and the Dublin Corporation to form a joint committee with a view to expediting the provision of a piped water supply throughout the county.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 37 and 38 together.
The North Dublin regional water supply scheme was planned to serve (a) the high level area of Finglas, Blanchardstown and Castleknock and (b) the low level area of Coolock, Portmarnock and Malahide.
Construction of the high level area section is nearing completion.
As regards the low level area which includes Malahide and Swords, the invitation of tenders was sanctioned on 12th May, 1953, subject to the acquisition of land and rights for this part of the scheme and the submission of a revised drawing in respect of one item. I understand, however, that agreement between the corporation and the county council has yet to be reached on a number of matters affecting the supply which can be made available for the various areas outside the new county borough boundary and that the county council is at present considering a report from its consultant on this matter. Further progress with the low level portion of the scheme and with a separate but interconnected scheme for Donabate accordingly depends on agreement being reached between the county council and the corporation. If a joint committee would be of assistance in reaching agreement, it would be a matter for the two bodies concerned, or either of them, to propose its establishment.
I am aware of complaints in regard to the lack of piped water supplies in other parts of the north county area for which the regional scheme will not make provision. I understand that the county council is at present considering supplemental schemes for Rush, Skerries and Balbriggan. As regards Lusk, I am not aware of any current specific proposals for a piped supply, but I understand the matter has been under consideration by the county council for some years. As the responsibility for works in these areas rests with the county council alone, the question of a joint committee does not arise.
The Parliamentary Secretary says that he has no responsibility in connection with these matters arising as between the Dublin County Council and the Dublin Corporation. As the Parliamentary Secretary in charge of this section surely he is capable of seeing that something is done to improve conditions for the people of County Dublin. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the county council made no provision for a water supply and that the people have to travel miles around to take water out of a condemned old drain? This is a big question and with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I shall raise it on the Adjournment.
I assume the Deputy, who is generally well informed, should know that many of the matters dealt with in the question and answer will be discussed at a meeting of the finance committee of the county council to-night and later between the county council and the Dublin Corporation. I respectfully suggest that the time to raise this matter on the Adjournment is not just now.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that for ten years I have been listening to the same answer?
From whom?
From the Dublin County Council controlled by your people, controlled by Fine Gael. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that for ten years I am listening to the same thing from county councils and I am now asking the Parliamentary Secretary as the responsible officer in this House to deal with this question of water supply in County Dublin, and to take some action to co-ordinate both bodies? Furthermore, I cannot deal with this fully across the House by way of supplementary question and, whatever about the finance committee, I shall, with your permission, raise it on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.