asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the impact on the rates of the suggested piped water schemes in rural areas; and if he will consider the advisability of replacing the schemes by encouraging collective water schemes among groups in different local areas, such schemes not to be a charge on the rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Piped Water Schemes.
63.
I have stated on a number of occasions and have informed local authorities officially that the job of bringing piped water to rural homesteads and farms is not the exclusive responsibility of local authorities. I have also requested local authorities to take all necessary steps to stimulate the provision of private supplies by groups and otherwise in areas which are shown by the surveys to be incapable of being served economically by public schemes. On the basis of the programmes so far adopted by local authorities the average rates charge for public schemes will not be excessive and I see no reason for abandoning these schemes and leaving the job of providing piped water in rural areas entirely to private enterprise.