Vol. 478 No. 4
112 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Environment when approval to proceed with works will issue to a group water scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; and if the matter will be dealt with by his Department or by the local authority. [11325/97]
126 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Environment whether finance has been allocated to Clare county council in respect of Ballyvannon and Tuamgraney group water scheme for 1997; and the amount of such allocation. [11468/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 126 together.
As already announced, responsibility for the administration of the group schemes programme has been devolved to the local authorities, subject to existing commitments on foot of approvals issued by my Department. Where schemes have already been approved, such as the Cregg scheme, the local authority will issue the grant allocation to the group as soon as possible. Block grant allocations were notified to local authorities on 26 March 1997, which takes into account the commitments made.
Where schemes have not yet been approved, including the Ballyvannon-Tuamgraney scheme, it will in the future be a matter for the local authorities to decide on grant applications.
