asked the Minister for Local Government the cause of the long delay in commencing the water supply schemes at Borris-in-Ossory, County Laois, which has been requested by the residents of the town for some 20 years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Supplies.
54.
Outline proposals for a water supply scheme to serve Borris-in-Ossory and Castletown were approved in January, 1959. Subsequently Laois County Council decided to examine the proposal on the basis of a more extensive scheme capable of supplying a greater area. Finally in October, 1962, the local authority agreed to the adoption of a regional scheme estimated to cost £151,000. The documentation of this scheme and the taking of gaugings at the source proceeded from January, 1963, until the summer of 1964, when the local authority were informed that preparation of contract documents could proceed. The necessary land had then to be acquired. I understand that the council now propose to advertise for tenders for the filter plant and that contract documents for the main scheme will be finalised on examination of these tenders.
55.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to pay all the outstanding grants in connection with the group water supply scheme at Geashill, County Offaly; why six applicants' grants have to date not been paid; and if all grants will now be paid without further delay.
Difficulties in the operation of the pumps have occurred which affect the supply of water on this scheme and payment of six grants has been deferred temporarily. My Department has asked the ESB to reexamine the pumping system with a view to remedying these difficulties. The remaining grants will be paid when the scheme is operating satisfactorily.
56.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the piped water system in Kilmacrennan, County Donegal, was discontinued from Friday, 25th June, to Sunday, 27th June last without prior warning; if he is satisfied that this was necessary; and if he will give the reason for it.
This is entirely a matter for Donegal County Council. I have had enquiries made, however, and I am informed that the shortage of water in Kilmacrennan on the days in question was caused by a burst in the main from Lough Sault reservoir.
The official reply is that there was a burst pipe but the Minister knows as well as I do exactly what the position was.
I am dealing with official information at the moment.
I know the Minister is usually official but he knows that the official reply is incorrect.
I am not aware of the official reply being incorrect.
The Minister should ask someone from Letterkenny, who will tell him.
57.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position with regard to the various group water schemes in County Meath.
A summary statement of the current position of these schemes is being prepared and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
58.
asked the Minister for Local Government the date on which he received an application from Dublin County Council for sanction to a water supply scheme for Kiltalown, Tallaght, County Dublin; and if he will expedite his decision as the people in this area are very concerned about the quality of the present supply.
Dublin County Council submitted a proposal for a water supply scheme for Kiltalown to my Department on 23rd April, 1965. The proposal was referred back to the council on 25th May to consider suggested amendments which would effect economies in the scheme. I understand that the county council will be submitting a report on the suggested amendments to my Department shortly.
Is the Minister aware that a scheme has been prepared for this water supply, that discussion and argument have gone on about it for about three years and that now a scheme is ready? The Minister's Department proposes to delay it further by asking that a wider area be incorporated in the scheme. Is the Minister aware that it is my information that no saving will be effected, that there is not sufficient pressure in the Saggart main at all and that, in either case, it would have to be boosted? Would the Minister not consider letting this limited scheme go on, in view of the polluted supply the people in Kiltalown have and have had for a considerable time?
As I have said, my Department received the proposal on 23rd April. It was referred back on 25th May and we are awaiting, and are now promised, a report on the matters requiring attention. We expect to have that shortly and I can assure the Deputy there will be no undue delay on my part.
59.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the proposed sewerage and water scheme for Villierstown, County Waterford.
I approved of Waterford County Council's proposals for the acceptance of a tender for the sewerage scheme on 1st June and for the water supply scheme on 15th June.
60.
asked the Minister for Local Government what is the present position of the group scheme at St. Patrick's Terrace, Athboy, County Meath.
It is assumed that the Deputy's question refers to a proposed group water supply and group sewerage scheme at St. James Terrace, Athboy.
The organiser of the scheme has been advised to seek tenders for doing the work. My Department has not so far been notified that a suitable quotation has been received by the group.