asked the Minister for Local Government the position regarding the provision of a sewage scheme for Ballingarry, County Limerick.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sewerage Schemes.
33.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will approve the contract documents for the Ballingarry sewerage scheme, County Limerick.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
Contract documents for this scheme are under examination in my Department. I cannot, however, indicate at this stage when I will be in a position to give my decision with regard to them to the local authority.
35.
(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Local Government when it is expected to have the sewerage scheme along the Grand Canal, Dublin, completed.
I understand that work on the tunnel section of the Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme along the line of the Grand Canal is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
36.
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the proposed sewerage schemes for the villages of Currow and Gneeveguilla, County Kerry.
I understand that Kerry County Council are preparing detailed preliminary proposals for the Currow sewerage scheme.
I approved revised preliminary proposals for the Gneeveguilla sewerage scheme on 15th February, 1974.
37.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a grave hazard to public health exists in the village of Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, because of effluent escaping from the septic tank there; and the measures that are being taken to correct this situation.
This is a matter for the local authority. I understand that they are satisfied that no health hazard is arising at the location mentioned by the Deputy, and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that no health risk will arise from the considerable new housing development in the area.
Is the Minister aware that fishing interests in the Goresbridge area say that fish are being destroyed by the discharge from this septic tank into the River Barrow, and that local residents say there is frequent overflow into public places from this septic tank and that it is generally unsatisfactory? Will the Minister use his good offices with the local authority to ensure these abuses are discontinued?
Yes. I shall make further inquiries, but the local authorities are pretty definite as of now that there is no significant problem connected with the Goresbridge area.
May I say to the Minister that the local residents are quite as definite that there is a great source of danger to public health, and they must be given credit for some intelligence.
They were representatives on the local council last June and they must be credited with some intelligence when they were voting for them also.