asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that grave hardship is being caused to residents on the Ashley Park Estate, Nenagh, County Tipperary, by reason of the fact that the pump provided by the Land Commission is faulty and does not provide an adequate water supply; and whether he will have the matter investigated with a view to having this grievance remedied immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Supply on Nenagh Estate.
46.
Following allotment of this estate two pumps, in good working order, were provided between eight and ten years ago by the Land Commission for use of the allottees. These lands have long since been vested and responsibility for repair and maintenance of the pumps is now a matter for the beneficiaries.
Is the Minister aware that one of the pumps on the Ashley Park Estate, Nenagh, has never been in proper order and has never produced water? Is the Minister further aware that the tenants refused to sign documents and to take possession of the pump from the Land Commission?
I am not so aware. These pumps were provided, as I have stated, some ten years ago. I do not know what precautions to maintain them in proper working order have been taken by those concerned but they are not now any responsibility of the Land Commission.
These pumps were never in proper working order when handed over to the tenants and surely the Minister must agree the tenants have a justifiable grievance when having to draw water more than three miles.
These tenants did very well in what they got from the State. I am sure the Deputy and the House would not expect the Land Commission to become insurers of pumps. There are thousands of farmers who have no pumps and who have to provide water for themselves.
When the Land Commission spend hundreds of pounds sinking a pump almost two hundred feet and fail to get water, it is their business to put it in proper working order before they hand it to the tenants.
According to the information I have before me no complaint was received about these pumps since 1958. I have no doubt this matter would be talked about in this House long before 1958 if such information as the Deputy has——
I am now making a complaint on behalf of those tenants.
I am sure we will receive many complaints between now and the election date.
I object very strongly. The Minister's attitude would appear to be that half a loaf is better than no bread, as far as the Land Commission tenants are concerned.