asked the Minister for Local Government when he expects to be in a position to sanction sewerage and water supply schemes for Crookshane and St. Anne's Terrace, Rathcoole, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.
16.
A tender for this scheme together with a number of similar proposals is at present under examination in my Department.
An application for approval to a loan to finance the scheme is under consideration in conjunction with an examination of the overall position in relation to the financing of water and sewerage projects in the current financial year. It is not possible at this stage to give any definite indication as to the outcome of this general examination in relation to any particular proposal.
Is the Minister aware that these schemes have been held up for a number of years, due to the fact that they have been turned down for one reason or another? In view of the fact that this scheme is in final form, it is hoped that it will be accepted. I would ask the Minister to expedite a decision in favour of it, if possible.
If at all possible, I will deal with it favourably.
17.
asked the Minister for Local Government what is the present position with regard to the Dodder Valley sewerage scheme.
The consulting engineer's revised proposals for the Dodder Valley Scheme have been the subject of a recent discussion between the Department's engineering advisers and a technical officer of the council, at which the basis of design was agreed. It is understood that the consultant is now engaged in the preparation of full design plans and documents.
Does the Minister's reply indicate that, in fact, this scheme is sanctioned and will take place?
No.
18.
asked the Minister for Local Government when money will be available for the further extension of the North Dublin regional water supply scheme.
The entire scheme for the North Dublin region is dependent on the laying of the trunk main from the Ballycoolan reservoir to Hedgestown. Revised proposals for this scheme are at present under examination. A loan application from Dublin County Council to finance a section of this scheme to serve the Balbriggan, Rush and Skerries area is at present under examination both in relation to the timing of the various stages of the scheme as a whole and to the overall position of the financing of water and sewerage projects in the current year. I am not in a position to say when this examination will be completed.
Is it a fact that the scheme is now being held up because of shortage of money?
Not only.
But that is a very big feature in the hold-up?
I would not know that in relation to any scheme until they would have cleared the last remaining hurdle. There is one last remaining hurdle to be cleared.
Are these hurdles being deliberately erected?
If they have been, they have not been erected in central Government but rather outside.
19.
asked the Minister for Local Government what the present position is in regard to the proposed sewerage extension at Tullamore, County Offaly in respect of which over one hundred people in some 20 houses in O'Brien Street have been pressing Tullamore Urban District Council to undertake the work urgently; and if he will make a statement as to the cause of delay in the matter.
There has been no delay, in so far as my Department is concerned, in dealing with the Tullamore sewerage scheme under which it is proposed to provide sewerage facilities for O'Brien Street.
At a recent conference between my Department's technical advisers and technical officers from the council and from the consulting engineer's office it was arranged that the consultant would revise certain sections of the scheme and submit additional drawings, etc. The submission of this data is awaited.
20.
asked the Minister for Local Government when it is expected that the North County Dublin regional water scheme will be in a position to service the district of Oldtown, County Dublin.
Oldtown is included in areas to be serviced under Contract No. 10 of this scheme. Contract drawings and specification for this contract were submitted to my Department on 19th ultimo and are at present under examination. The contract is, however, dependent on the laying of the trunk main from the Ballycoolan reservoir to Hedgestown revised proposals for which are also under consideration at present. I am not, therefore, in a position to say when Oldtown will be serviced from the regional scheme.