asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the water scheme for Littergumnell, Clontumpher, Ballinalee, County Longford is at present inoperative because there is no water supply at any time of the year; and the action which it is proposed to take in the matter.

It is a matter for the sanitary authority to remedy defects or deficiencies in any of their water supply schemes. I am informed that the system in question is inadequate for the demand and that shortages have been experienced in certain areas. I understand that Longford County Council propose to install booster pumps and that the provision of Stage 3 of the Longford central regional water supply scheme will also help to improve the situation.