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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 1973

Vol. 269 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Water Scheme.

13.

asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the delay in the carrying out of the mid-Kerry water scheme; and when the scheme is likely to commence.

This scheme has been fully approved by me and a loan to finance the work has been made available. It is for the local authority to arrange for the commencement of work. I understand that they hope to be in a position to do so very soon.

Is the Minister aware that there has been extreme difficulty, particularly in the Killorglin area, in recent months because of a shortage of water? The industries in the area are taking up the water that is available but there is not even enough water for them. In fact, they have not got sufficient water and neither have the adjacent towns. Would the Minister use every bit of pressure he can to get the scheme under way immediately?

The only thing that is holding up the scheme, as Deputy O'Connor must be aware, is some delay in getting a bond cleared. It is hoped that this will be done very quickly whereupon the contractor will be authorised to do the work. Nothing that can be done by the Department will make the scheme start any more quickly. It is purely a matter for the local authority and they must be satisfied the contractor is in a position to carry out the job.

Might I further ask the Minister if he will use his extreme powers to see that a contractor is appointed? We cannot afford to wait. The position is desperate. Industry and employment are affected because of the water shortage and I would again ask the Minister to get on immediately to the Kerry County Council and see that this matter is straightened out.

I cannot do anything more than I have done. The contractor is there but the local authority must be satisfied that he has got a bond which will guarantee that he will do the work properly and I am sure Deputy O'Connor would not ask me to withdraw that stipulation. I am quite sure the scheme will start very quickly anyway.

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