asked the Minister for the Environment the present position with regard to the preparation of plans for Gort regional water scheme; and if he will pay costs incurred by local farmers in their objection to the granting of a water rights order by Galway County Council.
Written Answers. - County Galway Water Scheme.
40.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to a previous question on the subject, I made a provisional order on 24 October 1984 declaring that a proposal by Galway County Council to take a supply of water from Lough Cutra for the purpose of improving and extending the Gort water supply scheme may come into force without alteration.
I have not confirmed the provisional order because, in accordance with their entitlement under the rules for confirmation of provisional orders, the objectors to the proposal petitioned the Circuit Court that the provisional order made by me in accordance with the proposal shall not become law without further inquiry. I understand, however, that the court has not heard the petition and that it is now in the process of being withdrawn. When I receive formal notification to this effect I will be in a position to confirm the provisional order. Following confirmation of the order the local authority may prepare documents for stage 1 of the scheme. The further planning of the scheme is therefore a matter for the local authority.
The law does not provide for the payment by me of costs incurred in the making of objections to a water rights proposal. However, as I informed the Deputy on 5 May 1984 in reply to his previous question in this aspect of the matter, under the provision of section 91 of the Local Government Act, 1946, as amended by section 64 of the Local Government Act, 1955, I may certify that a contribution should be made towards costs reasonably incurred by a person in relation to a public local inquiry and direct payment by the local authority should I consider it reasonable to do so. No formal application for a contribution towards costs (itemised statement) has been made to me in relation to the public local inquiry into the Gort water rights proposal.