asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the recently-laid pipes for the Lough Mourne regional water scheme to supply East Donegal are now unable to supply the minor extensions; if, in the light of this, he will state what proposals are being considered by his Department to supply Manorcunningham and Newtowncunningham, County Donegal; if he will indicate the cost of same; and when it is expected to have a supply extended to those areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - East Donegal Water Supply.
25.
I am aware that with the recent extension to Carrigans, the existing Lough Mourne scheme has reached the limit of its capacity. A major scheme for the use of a further supply from Lough Mourne was approved in principle last June. The first stage of this scheme is designed to serve Manorcunningham, Newtowncunningham and adjoining areas, at an estimated cost of £350,000. The submission to my Department of detailed documents is awaited. I am not at present in a position to say when the supply is likely to be extended to these areas.
Does the Minister's Department or the county council intend to make a new approach from Lough Mourne, to come in a different direction from that envisaged in the present Lough Mourne scheme? Is it intended to go through the area of Drumkeen?
I do not know. The Department are awaiting the submission of detailed documents for the new scheme which is to serve Manorcunningham, Newtowncunningham and adjoining areas. Until the detailed scheme is available, I presume the exact route will not be known.
Therefore, no final decision has been reached?
Yes. The provision of a further supply has been approved in principle, and the Department are awaiting submission of detailed documents.
But no final decision has been made?
The decision to provide a new water supply has been taken but the details have not been submitted yet.
No decision has been taken as to the course it will follow?
Not so far as I know. A decision may have been taken by the county council but the details have not yet been received in the Department.