asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the water main to the island of Haulbowline is again broken with the result that the corrugated iron portion of the steel industry has had to be discontinued with resultant unemployment of some thirty-five workers, and that all the bolts on the main are eroded so that the water supply to the island cannot be relied upon; and if he will now proceed with the laying of an alternative or supplementary main as a matter of urgency; and if he will state what steps he has taken in conjunction with other interests involved to ensure that the supply is maintained as promised by him in the Dáil on 7th January, 1959.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Haulbowline Water Supply.
33.
I am aware that a leak occurred in the water main to Haulbowline Island on 17 Deireadh Fómhair, 1959, repair of such leak being completed on 23 Deireadh Fómhair, and that most of the bolts and nuts holding the flanges of the pipe line are very likely in bad condition, rendering the pipe line unreliable. Since my reply in the House to a question on the same subject by the Deputy on 7 Eanáir, 1959, the question of the renewal of all the bolts and nuts on the existing main or, alternatively, the provision of an entirely new main has been receiving active and serious consideration by my Department and the Office of Public Works and discussions in the matter have also taken place with Irish Steel Holdings Ltd. The Commissioners of Public Works have been authorised to carry out any necessary work as a matter of urgency.
Is the Minister aware that all the nuts and bolts connecting this main are broken and worn away? When I raised this matter last January, I was informed by the Minister that he intended taking active steps to rectify the position. We have the same——
The Deputy seems to be making a speech.
I am asking the Minister is it right that his Department should be so negligent as to put in jeopardy the livelihood of some 600 workers there. Does he not think it a matter of such importance as to warrant dealing with it at once, instead of allowing it to hang on since last January?
The Commissioners of Public Works have been authorised to carry out the work as a matter of urgency.