(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which the contract documents for a sewerage scheme for Dowra, County Cavan, were received in his Department; and if he will explain the reason for the delay in approving same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Sewerage Scheme.
32.
Having regard to the need to conserve available capital for schemes of higher priority it is not possible to indicate when a decision can be conveyed to Cavan County Council on the contract documents for this scheme which were received in my Department on 5 August 1975.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister of State aware that because this sewerage scheme has not been proceeded with, raw sewage from the village of Dowra is flowing into the River Shannon? In view of the concern expressed by the Minister of State with regard to pollution and his lectures to Cavan County Council recently about their neglect in the matter, will he not expedite this matter so that the scheme may be commenced?
I am not aware of the urgency of the case. The scheme has not a very high priority on the list prepared by Cavan County Council but perhaps this will be remedied. I shall do everything possible to expedite the matter.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister of State know that raw sewage from the village of Dowra is flowing into the Shannon? The source of the River Shannon is a few miles from the area and it develops into a fairly sizeable river at Dowra. Because the scheme has not been proceeded with the sewage is flowing into the river.
I am not aware of that.
(Cavan-Monaghan): So far as the Minister of State is concerned, ignorance is bliss in many cases. However, I do not intend to raise my blood pressure as a result of that. If the Minister of State is not aware of the situation, will he make inquiries in the matter? If he is satisfied that what I have said is the case, will he ask Cavan County Council to give this scheme priority? He has given them plenty of lectures but no money.
The question of priority is a matter for Cavan County Council to decide. It would not be in order for me to ask the council to give any scheme a higher priority. If the situation is as bad as stated by the Deputy, I am sure the county council are aware of it. However, I will make the inquiries as suggested by the Deputy.
(Cavan-Monaghan): There is a long waiting list in respect of water and sewerage schemes for every area from the capital town to every village in the county. I am suggesting that following his lectures the Minister of State should give Cavan County Council enough money to go ahead with the schemes.