Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 6

Adjournment Matters. - County Donegal Water Supply.

Dr. McDaid

I thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, for allowing me to raise this urgent matter this evening.

I have tabled three parliamentary questions about the water supply in the Churchill area of County Donegal. A number of local schemes are involved, including Glenswilly, Felbane, Drimicanoo, Leiffrin, Roishin, Drumcavney and Lacoo. The headworks of the entire area are in Churchill and the problem is twofold. First, there is bacterial contamination requiring boiling orders when water is available and, second, there is no water supply at many times of the year. Until recently, a boiling notice was in operation. This was not the first time and it certainly will not be the last. I am sure the Minister can imagine the conditions under which these 300 families have to operate.

The scheme is using a private source which is more difficult to maintain than if it was connected to the ordinary mains. It is a complicated scheme and too large to be maintained by a local community group which does not have direct access to the expertise and backup of the county council. The county council is helping the 300 families who are dependent on the private scheme and it would be willing to take over the scheme if it was in a reasonable condition. Hence, the urgent need for upgrading. Accordingly, last May the county council applied for an upgrading grant for the treatment works at an estimated cost of £71,810. This is not a great deal of money for the number of people affected. I trust the Minister will treat this as a matter of urgency and expedite the grant application which would rectify the problem.

Minister of State at the Department of Social Welfare (Mr. Durkan)

I thank Deputy McDaid for affording me this opportunity to reply to the debate on behalf of the Minister for the Environment.

The Churchill group water scheme was constructed almost 20 years ago and served 23 houses and associated farms at that time. The scheme uses a lake source and the water is filtered and chlorinated prior to distribution. Demand has increased over the years and the scheme now serves 33 households and farms. The pumping plant, as well as parts of the distribution system, are unable to meet this increased demand. The filters are operating at only 50 per cent capacity and are in need of total replacement.

Deputy McDaid will know that in the case of group water schemes in County Donegal the county council has devolved responsibility for processing applications and for the technical supervision of the schemes. In May of this year the council submitted grant application forms, together with tenders and technical details, for upgrading the Churchill scheme. The proposal involves the provision of new pumping equipment, a new 50,000 gallons slow sand filter and repairs to pipelines. The overall cost is estimated at approximately £72,000.

The Department is currently examining the outstanding demand for new schemes and for improvement works on older schemes. In the context of the finances likely to be available for group schemes in 1997, it hopes to be able to make an announcement on the work programme for 1997 fairly soon so that group scheme organisers can finalise their planning arrangements and be ready to commence construction early in the new year.

I note the Deputy's concern that improvement works should commence on the Churchill scheme at the earliest possible date. I assure him that this will be borne in mind when drawing up the list of schemes to go ahead next year.