asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the delay in the Burgess group water scheme at Killeagh, Youghal, County Cork, to which members contributed over two years ago; what is the present position of the scheme; and when tenders will be invited.

The delay in getting this scheme under way has been occasioned by the difficulties experienced in obtaining supplies of plastic pipes complying with the appropriate Irish standard. This problem has now been overcome.

I understand that the group have already invited tenders for the carrying out of the work and the supply of materials.

Would the Minister consider allowing local authorities to carry out these group schemes?

So long as they are financed in the normal way?

Yes.

I do not know that they are prevented from doing it.

Meath County Council have a request in the Minister's office for the past three months and have not received a decision yet.

They will.

30.

asked the Minister for Local Government when he will sanction the water supply scheme for Arranmore Island, submitted by Donegal County Council.

There has been no change in the position regarding this scheme since my reply to the Deputy's question of 25th April last.

31.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has given approval for the water scheme at Mullacash, Brannockstown, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

Preliminary proposals for a water supply extension from Mullacash to Brannockstown were approved in principle by my Department on the 21st December last. I understand that Kildare County Council are at present engaged in the preparation of working drawings.

32.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has given approval for a water scheme at Market Square and Chapel Street, Ballymore-Eustace, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

My Department have asked Kildare County Council to furnish additional technical data in relation to the Ballymore-Eustace scheme and this is awaited.

33.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has sanctioned the water scheme for Monasterevan, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

I hope to be in a position to sanction this scheme shortly.

34.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has given approval to the water scheme extension for Castledermot, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

Proposals for extensions of the Castledermot water supply have been the subject of discussion at technical level between officials of my Department and the local authority, as a result of which Kildare County Council are arranging for the submission of additional technical data.

35.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has given approval for the water scheme at Walshestown, Newbridge, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

I expect to be in a position to give a decision regarding this scheme shortly.

36.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has sanctioned the water scheme for Russellstown, Athy, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

37.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has sanctioned the water scheme for Bennettsbridge, Athy, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.

Proposals for extensions of the Athy water supply to Russellstown and Bennettsbridge are at present under consideration in my Department.

I expect to be in a position to give a decision on the proposals shortly.

38.

asked the Minister for Local Government the number of (a) water schemes and (b) sewerage schemes submitted to him by Donegal County Council for sanction; the names of these schemes; and the dates on which they were submitted to him.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to have it circulated with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

(A) Water Schemes. Number: 20.

(B) Sewerage Schemes. Number: 11.

39.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has sanctioned the sewerage scheme for Prosperous, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

Contract documents for this scheme are at present under examination in my Department. I am not in a position to say when a decision thereon is likely to issue.

40.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has sanctioned the contract documents for a sewerage scheme for the Ballyfarsoon, Old Grange, Monasterevan, County Kildare area; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

There has been no change in the position in relation to this scheme since my reply to a question on 2nd March last.

41.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has sanctioned the sewerage scheme for Roseberry, Newbridge, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

Contract documents for this scheme are under consideration in my Department and I expect to be in a position to give a decision thereon shortly.

42.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has sanctioned the sewerage scheme for Kilberry, County Kildare; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so.

This scheme has been the subject of discussions, at technical level, between officials of my Department and the local authority, as a result of which Kildare County Council are now engaged on the preparation of amended contract documents.

43.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the urgent necessity for a sewerage scheme for Fenit, Tralee, County Kerry, as it is a seaside resort catering for many tourists; and, if so, the reason for the delay in giving sanction to the proposal submitted to his Department by the local authority over 12 months ago.

There has been no change in the position in relation to this scheme since my reply to the Deputy's question of 8th March last.