asked the Minister for Local Government when proposals were first made in respect of the North County Dublin regional water scheme; and why this scheme has been so long delayed in execution.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Dublin Regional Water Scheme.
16.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will provide a list of the districts of North County Dublin at present without water or sewerage services, which will be serviced by the North County Dublin regional water scheme, giving the estimated date of operation of the scheme in respect of each area.
18.
asked the Minister for Local Government what stage of development has now been reached in respect of the North County Dublin regional water scheme; what particular activities are under way in this regard at the moment; and what is the estimated date of the scheme's completion.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 16, 17 and 18 together.
A preliminary report on the North County Dublin Regional Water Supply Scheme using a source at Leixlip was submitted to my Department on 1st December, 1959. Having regard to the size and complexity of the scheme there has been no undue delay in bringing it to the present advanced stage of planning.
The scheme is divided into a number of contracts. The council are at present considering the placing of contracts for pumping and filter plant, and for the supply and laying of the rising main. Contract documents have been approved or are being prepared for all other sections of the scheme. Certain legal difficulties which have arisen in connection with the abstraction of water for the scheme are at present under consideration but they have not materially affected the planning of the scheme.
The areas in North Dublin County which are without piped water and which will be served by the scheme are St. Margaret's, Portrane, Donabate, Kilsallaghan, Rolestown, Oldtown, Garristown, Ballyboghill, Corduff, Lusk, Loughshinny, Balrothery, Bog of Ring, and The Naul.
I am not in a position to say when the scheme will be completed or when it will be in operation in these areas.
The Minister stated that a preliminary report came before the Department in 1959. I should like to ask if he could explain how it is that my learned colleague, Deputy Burke, was talking about the north county Dublin scheme in 1947? I remember it very distinctly, there was a by-election on, and that was 11 years previously.
What has the Minister to do with that?
I want to find out why there was a delay.
There is no difficulty there. The first stage of the North County Dublin regional water scheme, serving Finglas and Coolock, in which I am sure Deputy Burke was and is still very interested, was completed seven years ago.
No doubt you will write to Deputy Burke and tell him that.
I will.