asked the Minister for Local Government if in September, 1964 he received an application on behalf of the householders of Ballacolla, County Laois for a group water supply scheme for the area; if local representations have been made to his Department without success indicating greater support for the scheme and the willingness of additional householders to participate in it; what the present position is in regard to this scheme; and whether in view of the urgency of this proposal he will arrange to meet a deputation from the local guild of Muintir na Tíre in order to explain the delay and have the matter disposed of to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Water Supply Scheme.
28.
An application from 20 householders for a group water supply scheme for Ballacolla, County Laois, was received in my Department in September, 1964. Subsequently it was intimated to my Department that there would be approximately 40 to 50 participants. The Department's local inspector had a preliminary discussion with the promoter in March last, but, due to extreme pressure of work and staff shortages, it has not yet been possible to carry out the necessary survey of the area. It is hoped to recruit additional staff in the near future, when early attention will be given to the advancement of the Ballacolla scheme, and other schemes in the Laois/Offaly area. In these circumstances, I feel that no useful purpose would be served by receiving a deputation at this stage.