asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the indignation which exists among the people in the area concerning the method of supplying water to Ballylooby national school, Cahir, County Tipperary at a cost of £1,000 approximately, having regard to the fact that a group water scheme at present being implemented in the Ballylooby area is capable of supplying the needs of the school at a cost of £400 approximately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary School Water Supply.
40.
When the school was built in 1963 a regional water supply scheme was under consideration but it was necessary to provide a temporary supply from a nearby river pending developments regarding the regional scheme. In fact, the regional scheme did not mature. The temporary supply gave trouble due to siltation in the river and in 1967 a grant was sanctioned to enable the manager to provide a new water supply by sinking a well on the site at an estimated cost of £500. The well was sunk in August, 1968, at a cost of £250. About that time it was learned that a group water scheme for the area was proposed, but it was not clear when the supply would be available. In the event it was sanctioned in November, 1968. The school is under the control of the manager. At no time has he suggested that the group scheme should be used to service the school. The matter was discussed with the manager within the past few days by officials of the Department of Education and of the Office of Public Works but the manager confirms that he will not join the group scheme.
The Parliamentary Secretary will appreciate the very considerable saving that could and should have accrued to the members of the group scheme had it been decided to supply the school from the group water supply and may I ask if there is now any prospect of the school's needs being supplied from the group scheme? Will the Parliamentary Secretary be good enough to have another look at the situation in that regard?
The position is that the manager is the person with responsibility in this case and when he discussed this matter with representatives of my Department and the Department of Education on 11th July he was adamant that he did not wish to join the group scheme. The position is that the well is sunk; the house for the pump is built but the pump is not yet installed. The amount spent already is £422 and the further cost, when completed, will be £184, making a total of £606. What I am prepared to do now is to discuss this matter again with the Department of Education to see what grant should be paid and to have the whole matter re-examined to see whether we can get into this group scheme or not.
I am grateful to the Parliamentary Secretary.