asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a deputation of the residents of Castleisland, County Kerry, appeared before a meeting of the Kerry County Council some time ago in connection with the water supply in the town; that the council decided to raise a loan for the laying of a new water main and that an application was made to his Department some months ago to sanction the loan; and, if so, if he will now state the reason for the long delay in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Castleisland Water Supply.
I have no knowledge of the matter referred to in the first part of the question.
An application by the sanitary authority for sanction to the raising of a loan to defray the cost of the laying of a new water pipeline in Castleisland was received in my Department on the 12th March and is under consideration. The county engineer has recommended the appointment of a consultant to report on an alternative source of supply but I have no information as to any action taken by the county council on this recommendation. There has been no delay in dealing with the matter so far as my Department is concerned.