asked the Minister for Local Government when work is likely to commence on part 2 of the Ballydaly group water scheme, Millstreet, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Group Water Schemes.
21.
I am not in a position to say when work will commence on this scheme. My Department is at present considering the possibility of finding a solution to problems that have arisen in regard to the source.
My information from the local organisers is that that matter has been solved for a few months.
It is hoped that a recent investigation will solve the problem, and I can assure Deputy Meaney that if it does there will be no delay.
The local organisers are under the impression it is solved for some months.
Perhaps somebody would tell the Department.
Could we get an indication from the Minister when the applicants paid their contributions?
I am sorry, I have not got that information.
That is a separate question.
For the Minister's information, it would be nine years ago, and in view of the long delay in regard to this scheme, would the Minister take every step possible to ensure that the work will be done speedily.
(Interruptions.)
It is suggested that a new source at Caherbarnagh will be brought in to assist the Ballydaly, part 2, group water scheme, to augment the Millstreet public supply and also to reduce pumping costs on the existing scheme, because Caherbarnagh would be gravity supply. It is at present being examined and if it is passed by the county council it will be proceeded with.
22.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of applications for group water schemes under consideration at present in County Kerry; and the number of schemes at present in progress in the county.
At 30th September, 1973, 44 group water supply schemes were in progress in County Kerry and an additional 55 groups were at various planning stages.
In view of the fact that it would appear from the Minister's reply that the Local Government inspector in the county is overworked and cannot cope with the increasing number of applications for group water supply schemes in the county, would he allow the county council to take over control and operation of these group schemes?
Deputy O'Leary will be glad to hear that this scheme in operation is a pilot scheme in one county and if it works out satisfactorily I propose to extend it to all other counties, including Kerry.
Might I ask the Minister whether, in this experiment, he has given due weight to the effect of his Department's decision, particularly in respect of Donegal——
The Deputy is broadening the scope of this question, which refers to County Kerry.
We shall keep it to Kerry.
The Deputy may not circumvent the decision of the Chair by broadening the scope of the question.
I do not intend to. This matter is relevant to Kerry as it is to Donegal, but I was merely referring to Donegal because I know more about it. However, I know enough about it to ask in regard to Kerry if this experiment is to be extended to it, would the Minister ensure that the same mistake is not made as is now being made elsewhere by virtue of a decision of his own Department that, while he allows the local authority to run the scheme, he will not sanction the additional staff requisite.
The question of staffing is an entirely different matter, but I am hoping this can be got over, because I want to speed up the working of the schemes, not to delay them.