asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the water supply in Rush is very bad; and, if so, whether he will state what arrangements are being made to have it improved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rush Water Supply.
I am informed by the Dublin Council that the yield of the Rush water supply is 33,000 gallons per day, which is fully adequate as a domestic supply. Shortages which have been experienced are attributable to the large amounts drawn off for other purposes.
While the local authority's statutory responsibility is limited to the provision of a supply for domestic purposes, the county council have in fact taken steps to improve the position. Arrangements have been made to provide a supplementary supply and it is expected that an additional 500 gallons a day will be available within two weeks.
Is the Minister aware that there is not enough water there for human consumption and, while the implication of the Minister's reply is that they are not supposed to get water for any other purpose, the people of Rush for the last two years have suffered considerably from lack of water. As regards the local industry there, the Minister does not appear to be concerned with it at all— that is, the tomato growing industry. The people are drawing water for it a distance of five or six miles.
The Deputy is not asking a supplementary question.