asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the residents of Clonmore, Clareen, Birr, County Offaly have no pump or water supply of any kind for domestic use; and if his Department will now convey sanction to Offaly County Council to erect a pump in order to make water available for all in the area, as a group scheme could not be undertaken for many years in this district and the problem is now one of urgency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Supply Schemes.
11.
A proposal by Offaly County Council for a loan to finance the provision of pumps and wells at a number of locations in County Offaly, including Clonmore, was referred back to the local authority for the submission of a report as to the feasibility of the installation in these areas of piped water supplies either directly by the council or by means of co-operative group schemes.
It is understood that the matter is still under investigation by the local authority.
12.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the Fileadown and Inch water scheme County Kerry in regard to which a number of farmers lodged an amount of money 12 months ago.
I understand that the design for this scheme is in course of preparation and is not yet ready for submission by the group for my approval.
13.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding sanction of a loan for the carrying out of the Lauragh water scheme, application for which was sent to his Department several months ago by the Kerry County Council.
I would refer the Deputy to the previous questions asked by him on 15th December, 1965 and 29th March, 1966, in regard to this scheme.
I understand that the necessary land and water rights for the scheme have not yet been fully acquired. The question of the financing of the scheme will not be considered until these rights have been acquired.
14.
asked the Minister for Local Government what is the present position in relation to a group water supply scheme for the residents of Kiltipper, Tallaght, County Dublin.
It has been decided to reduce the scope of this scheme from six to five houses to eliminate the necessity to provide booster equipment. Revised quantities are now being prepared.
Will the Minister agree that this scheme has been under consideration for the past three years and that very little progress has, in fact, been made?
Yes, that would be about right, from the first time it was mooted, about March, 1963.
Is there a general slowing down in regard to group water supply schemes? It is very difficult to get an inspector to come along. I have had this experience in the case of a couple of schemes.
I would not say there is any general slowing down in so far as inspection of proposals is concerned but I think the Deputy will be aware that it takes quite a bit of work to generate groups to the point where there is some proposal to inspect; and that has always been a problem.