asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that the cost of providing a water supply for Ratheniska national school, Portlaoise, would be high having regard to the small population in the area, steps will be taken to ensure that a water supply is provided under a group scheme; if he is aware that an excellent source of water is available; and that Laois County Council have a proposal on record but cannot proceed with the work until his approval has been given; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Schemes.
60.
A group scheme proposal to serve 66 houses and a school in Ratheniska was examined by my Department, and it was considered that the cost of the scheme would be unduly high because of factors such as the low density of housing to be served and the cost of headworks and rock excavation.
Laois County Council have, however, submitted preliminary proposals to my Department for a small regional scheme to serve the south eastern portion of the county, including Ratheniska, with a view to encouraging future group development in the area. These proposals are being examined.
61.
asked the Minister for Local Government when he received proposals for the extension of mains water supply in the Navan urban area and in the Liscarton and Proudstown areas; if he is aware that 1971 has been set as the target date in the Meath County Development Plan for the completion of the scheme concerned; and if, in view of this, arrangements will be made for a speedy examination and early approval of the scheme.
The examination of the contract documents for this scheme which, as I already informed the Deputy, were received in my Department on 11th March, 1971, has not yet been completed.
Can the Minister state how long it will take before this is done?
The documents have not been in my Department for very long and they are being examined. There are some technical aspects that have not been cleared yet. I cannot give the Deputy a direct answer to his question.
The Minister is aware that the scheme is No. 1 on the priority list?
It has a high priority.
Until this scheme is carried out there is not much point in attempting to carry out any of the other schemes.
We have to clear some technical aspects.
62.
asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to sanction the group water scheme at Whitecross, Julianstown, Drogheda, County Louth.
The design for this scheme has been approved by Meath County Council subject to a number of modifications and alternative quotations being obtained for asbestos cement and hard pvc piping. At present, the group are getting quotations for asbestos cement piping. At this stage it is not possible to indicate when sanction will be given to the scheme.
Can the Minister state why it is taking so long to get this relatively simple scheme off the ground? Meath County Council sanctioned the scheme some time ago and I understood from the Department representatives that they were expecting to be in a position to clear the matter within a few weeks.
The Meath County Council requested a number of changes in the design of the scheme which had to be examined in the Department. The last request for changes was made on 3rd May, 1971, and there was a request regarding the substitution of 5" piping for 4" piping. This kind of matter had to be investigated. The Department are not responsible for all of the delay in this case.
Not all of the delay, but surely the Minister will agree that the relative difference between 5" and 4" piping is small?
That was only one example of the type of things that have come up on this scheme. The council requested certain changes.
The only change suggested was for the purpose of allowing the scheme to fit into a regional scheme when that is introduced. From 3rd May to 15th July is too long for someone to estimate for a relatively small job.
I can tell the Deputy that the cost of the piping is now being examined.
63.
asked the Minister for Local Government what current proposals he has for group water schemes in County Meath; and the number of houses covered by each.
This information is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
64.
andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Local Government what current proposals he has for group water schemes in County Kildare; and the number of houses covered by each.
This information is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputies as soon as possible.
65.
asked the Minister for Local Government the position regarding Ballyferriter regional water scheme, County Kerry.
Preliminary proposals for this scheme were submitted by the county council and are under examination in my Department.
Can the Minister state when proposals were submitted?
On 3rd March, 1971.
That is a fair length of time.
It is not too bad. The Deputy should not fool himself.
66.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that for many hours daily thousands of dwellings in the Crumlin/Kimmage area of Dublin are without any or any adequate water supplies; and that the situation has been condemned by the public health authorities; if he will have the matter investigated by an officer of his Department; if a public inquiry will be held into the present condition of piped water supplies in all parts of Dublin city and county with a view to improving them and taking all action necessary to ensure that work is put in hands now to meet the growing demand for water in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
67.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on the number of complaints regarding the inadequate water supply in the Crumlin area, Dublin, especially as this poses a serious health hazard.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 67 together.
I understand that while the existing water supply in the Dublin area is adequate to meet normal domestic and commercial requirements the rapid development of Dublin city and its environs has tended to tax it especially during spells of hot dry weather, such as we have had recently, when there is a very great increase in the use and abuse of water. This I understand arises to a considerable extent from the watering of gardens etc. The Deputies are no doubt aware that the Dublin Corporation have found it necessary to insert public notices in the Press requesting the public to conserve water and to discontinue the use of water for non-essential purposes.
I am not aware that the water position in the Crumlin/Kimmage area is as represented by the Deputies but if they supply the sanitary authority with names and addresses of complainants in that area these will be investigated.