asked the Minister for Local Government whether he can indicate what the difficulties are that prevent the Lismore, Cappoquin, County Waterford, water scheme from being put up for contract, and if he is aware that the newly completed housing scheme in Lismore cannot be let for tenancy because of the shortage of water in that town; and, if so, if he will state the date it is hoped to start the scheme and when it is likely to be completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Water Scheme.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his question of the 13th March, 1951, in which the position regarding this scheme was explained. Several major matters affecting the design of the scheme have yet to be resolved by the county council and its technical advisers. In an endeavour to bring the matter to a more advanced stage inspectors of the Department have gone to Waterford this week. I am informed that temporary measures have been taken by the county council to augment the existing supply in the town of Lismore, in consequence of which it will not be necessary to defer the letting of the new houses at present being completed there.
Is the Minister aware that the consultative engineer who attended at the council meeting some three weeks ago said that the sole delay lay with the Department of Local Government and that the emergency provision instituted by the council to pump water from the council pump to the council houses has been proved to be an absolute failure? If he was not aware of these matters, will he now take steps to see that sanction is given to the scheme so that the council can be in a position to go ahead and let the cottages at the earliest possible date?
I have no desire either to accept or to reject the claim made by local authorities that delays are the responsibility of the Department of Local Government, because I think that is a rather futile sort of business. I have told the Deputy that inspectors from the Department have gone down there this week and, according to the advice I have received, steps have been taken, pending final solution of the problem, which will enable the cottages, when completed, to be distributed to the people who are deserving of them.