asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the delay in extending the sewer along Fossa Road, Killarney, County Kerry; and when he expects approval will be given to proceed with the work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sewerage and Water Schemes.
28.
I understand that Killarney UDC have prepared preliminary plans for a sewerage extension along Fossa Road, but no proposals have so far been submitted to my Department in the matter.
29.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the position at Belmont, County Offaly, where in a village with about 40 families and business houses there is neither water nor sewerage; and if he will request an explanation from the local authority as to why action has not been taken to provide these services for the people in the area.
It is primarily the responsibility of sanitary authorities to initiate proposals for the provision of water and sewerage services to serve their areas and to decide on priorities. I understand that a scheme to serve Belmont is not regarded by the local authority as of high priority.
30.
asked the Minister for Local Government the cause of the delay in approving the extension of the water supply from Reen Cross both to Reen Pier and to Templenoe, which is part of the Kenmare-Templenoe water supply scheme submitted to his Department by the Kerry County Council about six months ago.
My Department is awaiting the submission by Kerry County Council of further technical data in relation to this scheme.
31.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the residents of Clonmore, Clareen, Birr, County Offaly, have no pump or water supply of any kind for domestic use; and if his Department will now convey sanction to Offaly County Council to erect a pump, as a group scheme could not be undertaken for many years in this district and the problem is now one of urgency.
I am aware of the position. My Department is investigating at present the possibility of having the Clonmore area incorporated in the proposed Mountbolus group water supply scheme.
32.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Local Government when he will sanction the £220,000 Knockgraffon water infill extension to the Galtee water scheme to implement plans which have been with his Department for a considerable period, so that the work may now begin.
Tipperary (S.R.) County Council's proposals for this scheme and, in particular, a report received on 3rd instant are still under consideration in my Department. I am not in a position to indicate when sanction is likely to issue thereto.
33.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position in regard to the water supply improvements scheme in Mallow, County Cork; and when he expects to sanction the scheme.
My Department is awaiting the submission by Mallow Urban Council of a detailed report on certain technical aspects of the scheme which was requested on 30th June last.
34.
asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been directed to the serious complaints existing among the people residing in West Finglas, Dublin, in respect of the colour and taste of their water supply; if he is aware that in the same area there has been an unprecedented number of young children suffering from stomach disorder which has been attributed to the objectionable water supply; and if he will have this very serious matter investigated with a view to ensuring that the people concerned will have a satisfactory supply of water.
No complaints have been received in my Department concerning the water supply in the West Finglas area. I am informed by Dublin Corporation, who are the sanitary authority concerned, that from mid-December last the Finglas area has been receiving water from the new Leixlip scheme and that initially in the interests of safety and because of the newness of the scheme, distribution mains etc., the chlorine dosage was above that normal to Dublin, but was by no means excessive. I understand also that discoloration can occur due to the action of water on pipes which previously carried a different type of water and that for the past three weeks, daily samples have indicated a few cases of discoloration. In the case of two samples taken in Finglas West on 15th instant the water was found to be clear, odourless and tasteless.
The City Medical Officer has stated that he is not aware of any unprecedented number of children suffering from stomach disorders, and any such upsets could not be attributable to the water, which weekly analysis has established is sterile.
35.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the provision of a water supply scheme for Herbertstown, County Limerick; and on what date work is likely to commence.
A decision on the preliminary proposals submitted by Limerick County Council in this case cannot be arrived at pending clarification of the adequacy of the proposed source to cater for the anticipated full demands of the scheme. The sanitary authority have been asked for their further proposals to increase the available supply, which appears to be inadequate.