asked the Minister for the Environment the up-to-date position regarding the Carriganass group water scheme at Kealkil, Bantry, County Cork, and if the said scheme has been sanctioned.
Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.
206.
The group have been advised to seek quotations and tenders for the supply of materials and the carrying out of work on the scheme. When these have been received an estimate of the cost of the scheme will be prepared and grants allocated if in order. Work on the scheme may then commence once the necessary insurances and road opening licence have been obtained.
207.
asked the Minister for the Environment the present position in relation to Sligo and environs water supply scheme, indicating when the contract documents for this scheme were received in his Department; when approval will be given to advertise for tender; and if money is available to start work this year.
208.
asked the Minister for the Environment the present position in relation to the Ballymote sewerage scheme, indicating when the contract documents, which were approved by Sligo County Council some time ago, were received in his Department; when permission will be given to advertise for tenders, and if money will be made available for this urgent scheme this year.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
Contract documents for the Sligo and environs water supply and Ballymote sewerage schemes were received in my Department in June and August 1978 respectively.
The local authority's proposals for these two schemes must be considered in the context of the overall amount of capital available for water and sewerage schemes and the number of such projects either in or getting to construction at the present time. I cannot say at this stage when I will be in a position to approve the schemes, contract documents for which are under consideration in my Department.
The question of finance for the schemes will not arise until they have been approved and tenders recommended for their construction.
209.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the poor supply of water from Billake, County Waterford, especially to the villages of Dunmore East, Woodstown, Passage East and Cheekpoint; if he will take immediate steps to ensure that an adequate water supply is made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed that the water supply to the areas in question is inadequate for the demand and that shortages have been experienced. I have approved Waterford County Council's preliminary proposals and the preparation of contract documents for the augmentation of the supply. The further planning of this scheme is now a matter for the local authority. I understand that the local authority also propose to carry out improvements to the existing treatment works as part of their small schemes programme for 1979.