asked the Minister for Lands (a) if any progress has been made regarding the delay in supplying water to persons (names supplied) who got land on the Walsh estate at Moatfarrell, County Longford, and who were promised water before they got farms by the Land Commission, and (b) the date of the allocation of this land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford Water Supply.
23.
A water supply system utilising electric pumps and special storage tanks, to provide for two houses and farmyards, has been almost completed. The ESB are now laying electric cables and the system is expected to be operational within a few weeks. A field supply for one allotment will also be obtained from the same source.
As regards a field water supply for the three allottees south of the road, a suitable site has been divined and the contract for the boring of a well has been placed. The work is to commence this week. The lands concerned were allocated in March, 1964.
Is the Minister not aware that great hardship has been caused to these families of whom there are eight, with 36 children, totalling 52 people in all? This land was divided five years and eleven months ago and the people were promised water that summer; now the Minister informs me that two of the families have just got a supply and the other three have still not got a supply. In view of the fact that these people had to carry water for livestock and for human consumption will the Minister not agree that great hardship has been imposed on them and that the Land Commission have fallen down on this matter?
They seem to have been slow. I agree it was slow.
Will the Minister give me a guarantee that he will put a squib under them and will he make an all-out effort——
I have said that the remaining work is to commence this week.
Yes, but I was told that in 1969, in 1968 and in 1966. In June, 1966, I was told, and I have the reply of the then Minister, Deputy Moran, that they would have it in a very short time but they are still awaiting it.
My information is that it will start this week.
Could the Minister give any idea of when these unfortunate people will have their water supply?
When the work is done. After whatever length of time the work takes.
Does that mean another six years? They have already been waiting five years and 11 months.
No, surely it will only be a matter of a few weeks.
I hope the Minister is right.