I thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, for allowing me to raise this urgent matter this evening.
I have tabled three parliamentary questions about the water supply in the Churchill area of County Donegal. A number of local schemes are involved, including Glenswilly, Felbane, Drimicanoo, Leiffrin, Roishin, Drumcavney and Lacoo. The headworks of the entire area are in Churchill and the problem is twofold. First, there is bacterial contamination requiring boiling orders when water is available and, second, there is no water supply at many times of the year. Until recently, a boiling notice was in operation. This was not the first time and it certainly will not be the last. I am sure the Minister can imagine the conditions under which these 300 families have to operate.
The scheme is using a private source which is more difficult to maintain than if it was connected to the ordinary mains. It is a complicated scheme and too large to be maintained by a local community group which does not have direct access to the expertise and backup of the county council. The county council is helping the 300 families who are dependent on the private scheme and it would be willing to take over the scheme if it was in a reasonable condition. Hence, the urgent need for upgrading. Accordingly, last May the county council applied for an upgrading grant for the treatment works at an estimated cost of £71,810. This is not a great deal of money for the number of people affected. I trust the Minister will treat this as a matter of urgency and expedite the grant application which would rectify the problem.