andMr. Connolly asked the Minister for Local Government if he will allow Offaly County Council to raise a loan to subsidise the cost of Rehan group water scheme, County Offaly, as this scheme involves 52 miles of piping, approximately 400 houses and 2,000 people.

The problems involved in financing this scheme are being examined in my Department and a communication on the subject will issue to the local authority shortly.

52.

asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to approve of the plans of Kildare County Council for trunk water schemes and, particularly, the main from Ballymore Eustace to Kilcullen.

Contract documents for a major section of stage 1 of the Kildare mid-regional water supply scheme—category 2 extensions providing for the laying of a trunk main from Ballymore Eustace to Kilcullen— are at present under consideration in my Department. I hope to convey a decision to the county council shortly.

53.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that in St. Joseph's Terrace, Sligo there are families of 12; and that water supply to such families is cut off from 9 a.m. until late in the evening; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There is no information in my Department on this matter which is one for the sanitary authority.

54.

asked the Minister for Local Government if there are proposals in his Department for the provision of a water and sewerage scheme for Ballygunner, County Waterford.

There are no proposals before my Department in this matter.

55.

asked the Minister for Local Government the total area of land that will be served by the new drainage schemes proposed for construction in the Dublin area.

The total area which is to be served will be approximately 23,000 acres, of which about 9,000 acres will be served by the Dodder Valley scheme, part of which is already constructed, and about 14,000 acres by the south-west drainage scheme.