asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that Galway County Council are in dire need of financial assistance to carry out their regional water schemes programme.

I am not so aware. At present Galway County Council have 5 water schemes estimated to cost approximately £2.5 million either in progress or getting to construction. Despite this level of activity which compares favourably with other areas, I am aware that the council has a large programme of other water schemes in planning which it is anxious to get to construction. I will take due account of this when their high priority schemes, including those required to facilitate group scheme development, are fully planned and approved.

Is the Minister aware that at the present rate of allocation to Galway County Council it would take approximately 20 years to complete their present water programme?

Question No. 11.

Give him a chance to answer it, a Cheann Comhairle.

Galway have done quite well over the years by comparison to other local authorities where group water schemes are concerned.

Other counties must have done rather badly.

Galway did better than most counties.

11.