asked the Minister for Local Government if he will provide the necessary finance for the sewerage scheme for Fenit village, Tralee, County Kerry.

The question of providing finance will not arise until the scheme has been fully approved and a tender recommended for acceptance. There are, therefore, no current borrowing proposals in respect of this scheme before my Department.

14.

asked the Minister for Local Government if Longford County Council will carry out the yield test for the Dalystown group water supply scheme, County Longford so that the people in the area will have the facility before the summer.

Longford County Council have agreed to carry out quality and quantity tests on the proposed source. In order to ensure an accurate assessment of the yield, the quantity test may only be done after a prolonged spell of dry weather or in the autumn when the water table is low. The group is aware of the position.

Is the Minister aware of the need for water at this time of the year in the area?

The matter was discussed by my officials and the group organisers and they are satisfied that this is the proper course to take. I am sure the Deputy will agree that there would be no point in testing the source now because one can get water anywhere. It is necessary to ensure that there will be water available in dry periods.

As a rural Member, the Minister must be aware that such a reply will give little satisfaction to the people who live in that area particularly if they must go through the same purgatory they did last year. Will the Minister expedite this scheme as soon as possible?

As soon as the sun begins to shine and things dry up, we will carry out the test.

15.

asked the Minister for Local Government the present position concerning Granard water supply scheme, County Longford; and if he will expedite the matter.

Tenders for this scheme are under consideration in my Department. I cannot say when I will be in a position to convey my decision thereon to the local authority.

16.

asked the Minister for Local Government why his Department have taken no action to provide the additional water for the Cloneygowan, Killeigh and Killurine group water scheme, County Offaly, promised in the departmental letter to the group trustees on 20th October, 1976.

17.

asked the Minister for Local Government the steps his Department proposes to take to improve the group water scheme in Killeigh and Killurine, County Offaly, which is very unsatisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.

Deputy Lalor's question mis-states the position. As indicated in my Department's letter of 20th October, 1976, to the group trustees, Offaly County Council were asked to investigate blockages in the Killurine system and to arrange to have the question of the quality of the water from a possible supplementary source investigated. I understand that the county council have this work in hands. As soon as a full report and estimate are received from them, my Department will be in a position to deal with the matter further.

Questions Nos. 18 and 19 postponed.

20.

asked the Minister for Local Government when he will sanction the loan for the proposed Ballycasheen East sewerage scheme in Killarney, County Kerry; and the present position in the matter.

The question of sanction to a loan to finance this scheme will not arise until a tender for its construction has been accepted. I understand that proposals for acceptance of a tender will shortly be submitted by the local authority.

Questions Nos. 21, 22 and 23 postponed.