asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the delay in carrying out the Rising Sun group water scheme, County Cork as the participants have paid money over five years.

The delay in starting this scheme is due to the difficulty of obtaining an adequate supply of water. A county council borehole which has been tested for quantity is not quite adequate, and in the circumstances, an assessment of the maximum number of houses which could be supplied from this is now being carried out.

71.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is now in a position to sanction the group water scheme at Moygue, Liscarroll, County Cork.

As indicated in reply to Question No. 34 on 19th November, 1969, the cost of this scheme as planned was prohibitively high. All possible alternatives have been explored, but it now appears that the group cannot prepare a scheme within their resources.

72.

andMr. Connolly asked the Minister for Local Government if he will sanction the revised Rahan, County Offaly, group water scheme proposal.

Discussions are being arranged between Offaly County Council and my Department to examine a proposal by the council to make a substantial contribution to the cost of this scheme. When these have taken place and when the group have given an assurance that they will increase their cash contributions to an average of £60 a house, a decision will be given on the matter without delay.

73.

asked the Minister for Local Government the up-to-date position regarding the group water scheme at Ballygarron, Spa. Tralee, County Kerry.

The design of this scheme was approved by Kerry County Council on 1st May, 1970, subject to the provision of increased pipe sizes to enable the scheme to tie in with the Ardfert regional scheme. The group can now seek quotations for the necessary materials, etc. to carry out the scheme.

74.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Donegal County Council made an application to his Department for approval to construct a small sewerage system which would serve a scheme of four houses for Drumkeen, County Donegal; if he will state the cause of the delay in having this attended to; and if he is aware of the extreme need for housing in this area.

I am aware that proposals in this matter were submitted to my Department by Donegal County Council. I understand also that the council intend to provide four houses to meet housing needs in the area. As the Deputy was informed in reply to an earlier question on the subject, the sewerage scheme is regarded by the sanitary authority as having a relatively low priority on their water and sewerage programme. In the circumstances approval to the scheme cannot be given until progress has been made with the preparation of other projects regarded by the council as being more urgent.