asked the Minister for Local Government the present position in regard to the Shanavoher, Mallow, County Cork, group water scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.
20.
A yield test of the proposed source for this scheme showed that it was totally inadequate. The possibility of using an alternative source is being investigated.
21.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether a group water scheme for the Charleville, Smith's Road and Kippane area, County Cork, will be implemented soon.
The group has been asked to arrange for the preparation of a design for this scheme. Work cannot commence until the design has been approved and tenders accepted for the different elements of the scheme.
22.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position relating to the Tooremore group water supply scheme in Kilcummin, Killarney, County Kerry.
A design for this scheme has been submitted to Kerry County Council for approval.
23.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position relating to the Coolcorcoran group water supply scheme near Killarney, County Kerry.
The provision of a suitable source of water for this scheme is at present being investigated. My Department is in communication with Killarney Urban District Council in regard to making a supply available from their public mains. If the council are not in a position to do this the possibility of using a spring in the area will be investigated.
24.
asked the Minister for Local Government (a) the date of the preparation of initial plans and (b) the probable date of completion of the North County Dublin regional water supply scheme.
The preparation of preliminary proposals for the present North Dublin regional water supply scheme was completed by the county council in 1960. I understand that the overall scheme which embraces 13 separate contracts should be substantially completed by 1972.
Did I hear the Minister correctly? Did he say that plans for this scheme were initiated in 1960?
No.
Is not that what I asked the Minister?
I said that the preparation of preliminary proposals for the present North Dublin regional water supply scheme was completed in 1960.
That is not what I asked the Minister.
It appears to me that it is.
The Minister is misreading it deliberately. The question I asked is quite plain. I asked for the date of the preparation of the initial plans.
Yes, that was 1960.
There never was any plan prior to 1960 for the scheme?
That is the date on which the preliminary plans were completed.
So that the Minister and Deputy Burke were telling lies in all these election campaigns in which they have been promising the people this scheme from 1947.
The Deputy may not use the expression "lies".
Deputy Burke has, unlike Deputy Dunne, continuously represented North County Dublin because of the fact that he does not tell the people lies.
Because he does not tell lies?
Yes.
I am talking about the Minister.
This is a completely Fianna Fáil scheme from preparation to completion. It was started under Fianna Fáil and it will be completed under Fianna Fáil.
Would the Minister allow me to speak? Deputy Dunne used an expression which must be withdrawn.
In deference to the Chair I withdraw the expression "lies", but I should like to point out to you, Sir, that I asked a question of the Minister, and I have not got a reply.
The Deputy asked me the date of the preparation of initial plans, and my reply was: "The preparation of preliminary proposals for the present North Dublin regional water supply scheme was completed by the county council in 1960."
In other words, all that was said prior to 1960 by the Minister, Deputy Burke and the other apologists, outside the chapel gates was no more than just fairy tales?
No.
We cannot have a debate on this question.
They were talking about this for 14 years.
Deputy Dunne must not monopolise Question Time.
I was asked when the initial preparation was completed.
Are you now going to bequeath it to Deputy Foley?
Deputy Burke was there at the initiation and Deputy Foley will be there at the conclusion.
25.
asked the Minister for Local Government what plans Cork County Council have for extensions to the Rylane water scheme; and if any proposals have reached his Department.
26.
asked the Minister for Local Government what plans the Cork County Council have for extending water supply to Kilnagleary, Carrigaline, County Cork.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
There are no proposals before my Department for extensions to the Rylane water scheme or for extending water supply to Kilnagleary, Carrigaline, County Cork.
27.
asked the Minister for Local Government what plans Cork County Council have to extend water to Knockarourk, Donoughmore, County Cork; and if any proposals have reached his Department.
There are no proposals before my Department for a water supply extension for Knockarourk, Donoughmore, but I am informed by Cork County Council that proposals for a scheme to serve the area will be submitted shortly.
28.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make special grants available for the provision of public water supply schemes in the pilot areas.
I have no funds at my disposal which would enable me to make special grants over and above the normal subsidies for the provision of public water supply schemes in the areas referred to by the Deputy.
Would the Minister not agree it is desirable to provide for this work?
If the local authorities put this scheme high enough on their priority list it will be reached.
29.
asked the Minister for Local Government the reasons for the delay in reviewing the estimate and paying the water and sewerage grant in the case of a person (name supplied) in County Cork.
The delay in reviewing the estimate in this case is due mainly to difficulties which have arisen in determining the expenditure properly chargeable to the scheme of work for which a grant from my Department could be made available. Although the applicant indicated originally that he intended to apply to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for a grant for a water supply to his farm and farmyard, in addition to the domestic supply, he has not yet done so. The maximum Local Government grant is being paid next week and the estimate will then be completed for the purposes of supplementary grant payment by the local authority on the assumption that no further work is being carried out.
Does the Minister tell me that it has taken from January, 1968, to December, 1968, to determine an estimate for this scheme and that not until this question was put down, despite repeated applications, was it decided to pay this man? Surely this is not the way a Department should be conducted? It is mainly to indicate that that I have raised this question here. He is going to be paid next week. Why was he not paid eight, nine or ten months ago?
Because, as I said, there was confusion——
A small farmer waiting for money since January. The Minister will have more of these questions down if he does not look alive.
Apparently the Deputy does not want a reply.
30.
asked the Minister for Local Government what is the present position with regard to the sanctioning of the sewerage scheme for the town of Tullamore, County Offaly.
Tender for the Tullamore sewerage scheme was sanctioned by me on the 14th November, 1968.