asked the Minister for Local Government (a) the total number of group water applications from County Meath made to his Department, (b) the number of schemes not proceeded with; (c) the names of the schemes completed, and (d) the names of those still being processed.

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:

39.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the need for a water supply in the village of Emly, County Tipperary; and if this need is likely to be met in the near future.

I am informed by Tipperary (SR) County Council that they propose to construct the first stage of the Emly regional water supply scheme out of a loan which I have recently made available to them, and that contract documents are being prepared.

40.

asked the Minister for Local Government the present position relating to the Aughacasla regional water scheme, County Kerry, the working drawings in respect of which have been with his Department since August, 1966.

A decision on the Aughacasla water supply scheme must await the outcome of the review of water and sewerage schemes in planning which is at present being carried out by the council.

41.

asked the Minister for Local Government the list of water and sewerage priorities received from Meath County Council; the estimated cost of each scheme; and the approximate date on which it will be possible to make the necessary money available for each scheme.

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

As regards the second part of the question, the review of water and sewerage programmes has not yet been completed by all sanitary authorities and I cannot therefore say when any given scheme is likely to be in a position to get under way.

Following is the statement:

MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL.

LIST of Water and Sewerage Priority Schemes.

Would the Minister say if, from the information he already has, there is likely to be a long delay on any but the first or second schemes on any priority list?

I have not got all the priority lists yet and I, therefore, do not know.

In view of the fact that the Minister's Department informed some local authorities two months ago that over £27 million worth of work had been submitted and the Department had estimated expenditure of only £5½ million, would the Minister say whether or not he can improve on the position now?

The amount to be made available in the next financial year has not yet been decided.

Surely the Minister can give a straight answer to a straight question? According to the Minister, the amount available in this financial year was around £5½ million. Is it correct that £27½ million has been applied for?

£36 million.

It will be a long time then before any one or two can be done.

It will be a good while before they are all finished.

Many years.

I gave the Deputy information about some of the schemes sanctioned this year.

The Minister gave me a great deal of information last week.

That is right.