asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the only public water supply in Skerries at present has been condemned by the Medical Officer of Health, and when in view of this, does he expect to be able to give a decision concerning the joint water supply scheme for Skerries and Balbriggan, which was the subject of a public inquiry some time ago, and which, if sanctioned, would provide Skerries and Balbriggan with proper water supplies, which are so essential to the development of both towns, and would, at the same time, afford much needed employment in these districts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SKERRIES AND BALBRIGGAN WATER SUPPLIES.
The water supply in the Holmpatrick dispensary district in which Skerries is situated has been unfavourably reported on by the medical officer. A scheme for the improvement of the existing supply has been under consideration by the Balrothery Rural District Council, who proposed to raise a loan of £30,000 for the financing of a joint scheme of water supply for Skerries and Balbriggan. At a public inquiry held into the Council's proposal evidence was given that there was a possibility of obtaining a supply for the town of Skerries by sinking an Artesian well. Arrangements for boring were subsequently made by the Rural District Council, and the supply is at present being tested as to quantity. There is every likelihood that an ample supply of water for Skerries will be obtained in this way at a moderate cost. As soon as the result of the test is furnished to the Department a decision will be given.
Will the Minister consider the question of the supply of water to Balbriggan, which is also involved in this scheme, and will any grant from the sum voted for the relief of distress be considered for the scheme.
I take it that the supply of water for Balbriggan is at present under consideration. So far as any grant from the relief vote is concerned, the same remarks apply as in the answer given to Deputy Mullins that these matters ought to come up through the local body.