andMr. Cowen asked the Minister for Local Government if he will sanction the sewerage proposals for Portarlington, County Offaly.

Proposals for an extension of the Portarlington sewerage scheme were approved by me on 5th December, 1969. The feasibility of enlarging the scope of this extension has been the subject of discussion, at technical level, between officials of my Department and the local authority. The submission of further technical data is now awaited.

20.

asked the Minister for Local Government when sanction will be forthcoming for the Inistioge water scheme, County Kilkenny.

21.

asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to sanction the preliminary plans for the Inistioge sewerage scheme, County Kilkenny, which are with his Department since 1966.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.

I have approved preliminary proposals for a water supply scheme for Inistioge and contract documents for this work, which were received in my Department on 17th April, 1970, are at present under examination.

Consideration of a sewerage scheme for Inistioge would be premature until such time as the area is provided with a proper water supply.