asked the Minister for Lands the reason for the delay in supplying water to persons (details supplied) who got land on the Walsh Estate, Moatfarrell, County Longford and who were promised water by the Land Commission; and if he is aware that these farmers are engaged in dairying; and that they have bathrooms and toilets and sinks etc. in their kitchens, but have no water.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford Water Supply.
84.
As stated in reply to a question by the Deputy on 24th April last, two wells were bored by the Land Commission last year to provide a water supply for allottees on this estate but the yield was disappointing. These are now being supplemented by storage tanks to help overcome the low yield. One tank has already been built; the other will be erected in the coming weeks. It is hoped that the combination of well and tank will provide a reasonably satisfactory water supply for two houses and farmyards. Another well was bored recently but unfortunately — though consistent with the history of water difficulties in this region — the results were again disappointing. Additionally, tenders, due by next Friday, have been invited by the Land Commission for boring of yet a further well. The arrangements which can be made for other allottees concerned must await investigation of the yields from these two wells. There will be no avoidable delay on the part of the Land Commission on this aspect of the matter.
The Minister has stated that there will be no unavoidable delay. Is the Minister aware that there are eight families in this area with 36 children, that this land was divided in March, 1964, five years and four months ago, and that these people were promised water before they were allocated the land, that they have installed sinks, cookers and so on, that they are engaged in dairying and that they have been put to enormous expense since that date in carting water both to use in their homes and for their cattle? Does the Minister not realise that this is scandalous treatment that has been meted out to these people?
I do not think that is true at all. The Land Commission have had great difficulty in this area in regard to providing water at all.
Is the Minister aware that this has been going on for five years and four months? Surely, if the Americans can go to the moon and come back in a week, the Land Commission should be able to supply those people with water?
Mr. J. Lenehan
It will be a long time before the Fine Gael Party go to the moon.
Is the Minister aware that there may be further difficulties and that his predecessor informed me in this House three years ago that those wells might not be a success? Is the Minister further aware that this is within a quarter of a mile of the mains? Why not connect with the mains and give them a proper water supply immediately? Would the Minister not think that it would be much cheaper to connect with the mains?
I think there is not sufficient water in the mains either. That is another problem. Perhaps we could go to the Sea of Tranquillity. I wonder if there is enough water there?
You never know. The Minister has been sent to it, anyway.