asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state when he hopes to be in a position to give his sanction to the proposed Dunmore East, Passage East and Cheekpoint, County Waterford, regional water schemes.

As objections have been lodged against this proposal, it will be necessary to hold a public local inquiry. I am not at this stage in a position to say when the inquiry will be held, as I am not yet satisfied that the preliminary procedure required by law in such cases has been carried out. A further report from the local authority on this aspect of the matter is awaited.