asked the Minister for the Environment the upto-date position regarding the proposed Castlerea/Ballintubber/Kilmurry regional water supply scheme with the source at Longford Springs, Castlerea, and Tubbermackee, Ballintubber.

I have granted Roscommon County Council's application for a provisional order in regard to the abstraction of water from the proposed source for this scheme and have also confirmed their compulsory purchase order in respect of lands adjacent to the source which are required to bring the scheme into effect.

When was the application received in the Minister's Department?

The contract documents for the regional water scheme were approved in May 1977, but because of objections to the council's proposals the delay occurred with regard to seeking tenders.

Does the Minister realise that this is a very important issue, that at least 700 houses are involved and that quite a number of farmers in this area are in intensive milk and there is no water available?

I realise the importance of the scheme and, as I said in my reply, I have granted the council's application for a provisional order.

When will this decision be made known?

I have also confirmed the CPO with regard to the land concerned, so I have taken the matter as far as I can at this stage.

The Minister is probably aware that there have been objections to the CPO which he has signed. I ask the Minister to request the council to expedite this case so that this scheme can go ahead.

A question, Deputy.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The Deputy has control of the council. Maybe he can use his influence.

Question No. 7, please.

Order.

7.