asked the Minister for Local Government if contract documents have been lodged with his Department by Galway County Council for the Tuam water supply augmentation scheme; when they were lodged; and when sanction will be given.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Schemes.
14.
I am not as yet in a position to indicate when a decision will issue to the local authority on this scheme, contract documents for which were submitted to my Department in November and December, 1975.
Is the Minister aware of the serious problems experienced by householders in housing estates in Tuam, particularly Bel-Air Drive, where they are unable to get adequate water supply for domestic purposes because the pressure is so low? Is he further aware that the Tuam augmentation scheme is tied up with the drainage of the River Nanny; that there is a large area of land stretching from Browne's Grove to Lavalley awaiting implementation of this scheme so that it can be drained and converted into good agricultural land?
I am aware that this is a desirable scheme. I am aware also that it is No. 3 only on Galway County Council's list. I would hope it would receive favourable consideration some time next year.
Does the Minister not realise that every month's delay adds thousands of pounds to the estimate already submitted, which I think was something like £143,000? That estimate must be out of date now, and if it is to wait until next year it will be further out of date. Could the Minister not give an assurance that we would have this money by the end of the year or early next year?
No, if I could give that assurance I would have given it before now. I would remind the Deputy that this year £25 million is being spent on sanitary services as against £8.3 million a couple of years ago. I believe there is not enough money available in the country for this type of work. I agree that this is a valid one but I am not sure, since it is only No. 3 on Galway County Council's list, whether they would select it as the first to be done if the money was made available.
Tuam is the largest town in the county. It is a growing industrial centre. I am sure the Minister will agree with me that it is important that we have an adequate water supply in order to attract industry to the town. I am sure the Minister is further aware that the IDA recently bought land there at an enormous price. That land is useless unless there is a water supply for industrialists who might propose setting up industries there?
I would suggest that perhaps Galway County Council could help Tuam considerably by changing their place on the list from third to first. If they did that I am sure it would help a lot.
If we change the list will the Minister give us the money?
If they change the list it will be first on their allocation next year instead of third.
Will the Minister give the money?
I always give it.
Is the Minister aware that Galway County Council are looking for a supplementary water supply for Tuam town since 1963 and it took them until 1975 to lodge documents with the Department of Local Government?
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 15. Order.
That is a very unfair accusation.
15.
asked the Minister for Local Government if the proposed extension to Cratloe of the Kilkishen regional water scheme, County Clare has been sanctioned; and, if not, when he proposes to sanction it.
The extension referred to is part of the works necessary to complete the Kilmurray/Kilkishen water supply scheme, proposals for which are under examination in my Department. I hope to be in a position to convey a decision to the local authority shortly.