asked the Minister for the Environment the number of group water schemes being processed in the Department; the number of approvals in 1983; the estimated value of all schemes in progress; the amount of money paid in respect of schemes in 1983; the estimated outstanding money due in respect of existing schemes; and the allocation in the Department towards the funding of group water schemes in general for 1984.
Written Answers. - Group Water Schemes.
361.
My Department are aware of 1,481 group water schemes which are at the preliminary planning stage. A further 957 schemes are at the design stage or in progress. Grants were allocated for 177 new schemes in 1983. Information on the total estimated cost of the 828 schemes currently in progress is not readily available.
Group water and sewerage scheme grants totalling £3,890,214 were paid by my Department in 1983. The 1984 Estimates provision for this purpose is £6 million. Grants of approximately £2 million which have been allocated to groups will be paid according as expenditure is incurred by them on the provision of group water and sewerage schemes.
362.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will expedite the Mount Talbot/Four Roads group water scheme; and the position regarding the scheme.
Certain technical aspects of the proposed Four Roads group water scheme are the subject of discussions between my Department and Roscommon County Council. While it is expected to finalise these matters without delay, I cannot say at this stage when grants will be allocated to enable the scheme to proceed.