asked the Minister for the Environment why the tender for Carrick, Garr and Rhode group water scheme, County Offaly, has not been approved by his Department; if this scheme will come under EEC grant aid; if it will be sanctioned soon; and if he will make a detailed statement on the present position.
Written Answers. - Offaly Water Scheme.
491.
The design of this scheme has been approved by my Department and Offaly County Council. In September 1977 an application for FEOGA aid was forwarded to the EEC Commission by my Department on behalf of the group. Grants cannot be allocated until the group confirm that they are in a position to finance the estimated cost of the scheme, net of grants. I understand that the group are unlikely to provide this confirmation unless and until a favourable decision is made on the FEOGA aid application by the EEC Commission.