asked the Minister for Local Government the number of group water schemes in County Donegal held up for want of finance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Schemes.
6.
Under a pilot scheme of devolution Donegal County Council have taken over most of the responsibility for the administration of group water supply scheme grants. I am not aware that any group scheme in the county is held up for lack of grant finance. In regard to special assistance over and above the ordinary grants, the county council have proposed that such assistance be made available towards the extra cost in modifying three group schemes so as to ensure that they would cater for future local development. These proposals are under examination in my Department.
7.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of water schemes in County Offaly awaiting loan approval; and when loan approval was requested by the council.
There are at present five applications for loans to finance water supply schemes in Offaly before my Department. One application for a major new work was submitted on 23rd June, 1975. The remaining applications, which are in respect of the completion of schemes, were received on the 15th and 25th March, 1976.
With regard to the proposals sent up by Offaly County Council last June, is there any hope of approval being given in the near future?
This involves a very sizeable sum. I hope to be able to do something about it in the not-too-distant future.
It is holding up a group water scheme in the area and also in Edenderry where, according to reports, the water is unhealthy.
I must tell Oliver.
He knows all about it. Between you, would you be able to get approval for the scheme in the immediate future?
We might, with the Deputy's assistance.
No, you have to provide the money. Is there any hope of it in the near future?
As I told the Deputy, I hope to be in a position to do something about it.
Within a couple of months?
I would hope so.
Will the Minister let me know about that before he tells Oliver?
The Deputy will be the first to hear it.