Vol. 534 No. 3
211 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is still no provision in place to augment the water supply in Moate, County Westmeath; if he will report on investigations to augment this water supply; and if he will give priority to funding for the provision of an additional supply. [10578/01]
The south Westmeath regional water supply scheme will provide a long-term solution to Moate's water supply requirements. Stage 1 of this scheme has been included in the water services investment programme 2000-02 to advance through planning. Stage 2 will address the supply situation in Moate.
In the meantime, Westmeath County Council has sought to implement interim solutions, the first of which involved the augmentation of the supply to Moate from a groundwater source at Knockdomney. This was commissioned late last year under the small schemes programme. A report on further possible interim sources was received by my Department from the council this week. The report is being examined and a response will issue to the council as soon as possible.
