asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the urgent need for having a piped water supply provided for the residents of Rathreedaune, Bonniconlon, Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I understand that the local authority propose to provide a piped water supply to the area mentioned shortly.

What does "shortly" mean? A month or two?

"Shortly" means as quickly as the local authority can do the job because the scheme is being financed by the local authority and not by the Department. It is being financed out of revenue.

53.

asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to start work on the extensions of water and sewerage at Ballina Quay area, County Mayo.

54.

asked the Minister for Local Government when work will commence on the new water supply scheme for Ballina, County Mayo.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.

Two water supply schemes for the Ballina area have been approved by me. One is a scheme to augment the supply to Ballina and environs. This scheme was recently advertised for tender. The other is a scheme for the improvement of the town's distribution system; work is, I understand, expected to commence shortly on this.

There are no proposals before my Department for an extension of the Ballina Quay water supply. I have recently approved a tender for a sewerage scheme for Ballina Quay.

55.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received an application for a water scheme at Newtown, Caherconlish, County Limerick; and, if so, when he proposes to sanction the scheme.

There is a proposal before my Department for a group water supply scheme at Newtown, Caherconlish. A suitable source for supplying water to the group has not yet been found. Until such a source is found no progress can be made.

56.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he has yet sanctioned the extension of the Clonakilty regional water scheme to Owenahincha, Rosscarbery, County Cork.

I have recently approved the tender for this scheme.

57.

asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the delay in giving approval to the group water scheme for Newtown-Doonane, County Laois, which was awaiting the water supply improvement scheme at the Swan; and, in view of the fact that so many people in the area have no sanitary arrangements or water near their homes, if he will give his approval to the early commencement of work on the scheme.

Contract documents for the Swan water supply scheme, which will provide a supply for the group scheme, are under consideration in my Department. I cannot say at present when a decision thereon will issue to the local authority.

58.

asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the Gneeveguilla sewerage scheme, County Kerry; and if, in view of the proposed development in the village and the fact that the way-leaves and land have been acquired for a number of years, he will arrange with Kerry County Council to carry out the scheme this year.

This scheme has not been accorded a high priority in the Kerry County Council's priority list of water supply and sewerage schemes in planning. I am not, therefore, in a position to give any indication as to when it may be carried out.

59.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received any proposals from Wexford County Council with regard to the extension of sewerage in order that house building can be proceeded with; and, if so, when a decision will be conveyed to the council.

Proposals for a drainage scheme to service land for housing development at Coolcotts Park were recently submitted to my Department and are being examined. I cannot say at this stage when a decision thereon will issue to the local authority.

60.

asked the Minister for Local Government if sanction has been given to Leitrim County Council to proceed with Dromahair sewerage scheme, County Leitrim; and, if not, when sanction will be given.

I recently approved a tender for this scheme.