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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1958

Vol. 171 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Supplies for Rural Community.

asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the persistent demands from the rural community for provision of running water supplies he will encourage local authorities to initiate major regional schemes for supplies, preferably by gravitation, in rural areas; and in this connection if the necessary financial accommodation to carry through such schemes will be made available by way of loan through the Local Loans Fund or other sources of borrowing at a reasonable rate of interest, the repayment of which, with ordinary maintenance charges, could be met from economic rents charges to the users.

The suggestions contained in the Deputy's question are substantially in accord with my policy on rural water supply schemes where the circumstances support the provision of water supplies by means of regional schemes. Such schemes will be found feasible in some areas but not in others where, for a variety of reasons, alternative methods, such as smaller public schemes or private piped supplies, may be preferable. Where a regional schemes proves to be the best solution the local authority concerned will be authorised to borrow the necessary capital from the Local Loans Fund and a State subsidy will be payable in respect of the repayments by the local authority of capital and interest. In addition, a special capital subsidy in Gaeltacht areas is made available for schemes by Roinn na Gaeltachta.

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