asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the Kerry County Council propose to co-operate with his Department in the matter of the provision of water supplies to farmers and whether he will initiate discussions in conjunction with the Minister for Local Government with a view to having these supplies made available at a cost acceptable to the Kerry County Council and to his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Supplies for Farmers.
On the 18th February last, I received a copy of a resolution passed by the Public Assistance Committee of the Kerry County Council which represented that the financial commitments involved in the provision of water supplies for the rural population were such as made it impossible for either the individuals benefiting or the local authority to cope adequately with the problem, and that the question of the provision of water supplies in rural areas should be dealt with on a national basis and financed out of central funds. I informed the council of my proposal to introduce, in the financial year 1950-51, a scheme to assist farmers to provide supplies to piped water in their dwelling-houses and, on the 25th May last, the secretary to the council wrote stating that the scheme was to be brought before the council at their next meeting. I am glad to hear from the Deputy that the Kerry County Council proposes to co-operate with my Department in the matter though, so far, I have not received any intimation on the subject from the council.