asked the Minister for Local Government why the water schemes in South Tipperary have been held up for so many years.
24.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South Tipperary Water Schemes.
23.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the people of South Tipperary are dissatisfied at the delay in putting water schemes in the area into operation; and when it is proposed to start work on them.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
The Tipperary South Riding County Council have drawn up a programme of major water supply schemes which they propose, in agreement with my Department, to implement in accordance with an order of priority determined by the Council. The planning of the first two schemes of this programme has reached an advanced stage and when these are put in hands the others will be dealt with in rotation. There has been no avoidable delay but it will be appreciated that as most of the schemes in the programme are large-scale water supply schemes involving considerable preparatory works as well as the acquisition of land and water rights, it is not possible to secure the same rate of progress as with smaller and less complex schemes.
The Council's programme of minor water supply schemes has been largely completed.
25.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the cause of delay in starting the water scheme in Lisvirmany, Rosegreen, Clerihans, etc., County Tipperary.
There has been no avoidable delay in preparing this scheme, which is of considerable size and complexity, and involves the acquisition of land and water rights. Contract drawings have been approved and the specification and bill of quantities are now being prepared. The necessary steps have also been taken by the county council for acquiring the additional water rights and reservoir site required for the scheme.