andMrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the proposed group water scheme at Kilbannon, Tuam, County Galway; if he is satisfied that there has been no change in directives given to the group by his Department in August, 1975 and again on 12th November, 1975; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Galway Water Scheme.
300.
There is no change in my Department's attitude to this scheme. The advice given in August, 1975 regarding acquisition and development of the pumphouse site had regard to delays experienced by other groups in obtaining extensions of power cables from the ESB. No other work was approved nor were grants allocated. The scheme as designed covered 230 houses in the area but by the end of October only 140 grant eligible participants had signed application forms. This would mean a high cost per house on the basis of the quotations and tenders received by the group. The implications were conveyed to the group on 12th November with the suggestion that an effort be made to bring more houses into the scheme. The allocation of grants will be made when the viability of the scheme has been established.