asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) when the Howth drainage scheme is expected to be commenced; (b) how much it is estimated to cost; (c) what districts of Dublin City and County it will serve, and (d) when it will be made available for housing schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Howth Drainage Scheme.
Mr. Murphy
In regard to the first part of the question I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of the 8th June last. The plans for this scheme have not yet been received in the Department and I am not, therefore, in a position to give any indication at present as to when the work will commence.
I understand that the ultimate cost of the scheme is estimated by the city engineer at £1,000,000.
Preliminary reports indicate that the scheme will provide for the laying of a sewer from Cabra to Raheny through a siphon under the Tolka, with a pressure culvert which will carry the sewage from Raheny to Howth, whence it will be discharged through a tunnel sewer to an outfall in the sea to the east of Howth Head. It is proposed that the new system will intercept and pump the sewage from the Clontarf area and from the Tolka Valley sewer into the new outfall sewer.
As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the carrying out of the scheme will take about five years and that in the meantime no new large-scale housing works are possible in the outer Raheny area. Meanwhile Dublin Corporation propose to concentrate on sites in areas where sanitary services are available or capable of being readily provided.
I understand that in this way sufficient sites will be available to accommodate the corporation's housing programme at its maximum speed during the period in question.
Will the Minister say what number of houses can be built, within the next five years, on sites on which sanitary facilities will be available?
That is a separate question.
Mr. Murphy
Surely, I could not be expected to have that information now.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will direct that immediate steps be taken to expedite the provision of the much-needed Howth main drainage scheme and the North County Dublin regional water supply.
Mr. Murphy
I am satisfied that every effort is being made to expedite the provision of these schemes. These are two schemes of major importance and their technical aspects require very careful preparation and examination. In my reply to Deputy Belton's Question (No. 54) I have given an outline of the Howth main drainage scheme.
The regional water supply scheme for North County Dublin is still being planned by the county council in consultation with the corporation.
Can the Minister say when this regional water supply scheme for North County Dublin will be put into operation? It has been under consideration for a long time.
Mr. Murphy
If the Deputy had been listening to me he would have heard me say that the regional water supply scheme for North County Dublin is still being planned by the Dublin County Council in consultation with the corporation.
That was done 12 months ago.