asked the Minister for the Environment if he will sanction the commencement of work on the Lisheen group water scheme, County Cork.

Cork County Council approved the design for this very high cost scheme subject to modifications regarding increased pipe sizes. An application from the council for a special contribution to cover the cost of the increased pipe sizes has been examined in my Department. A decision on this contribution has been deferred pending the implementation of a new grant structure for group water schemes under the new EEC programme for the western area. The group's finances will then be re-examined in the light of this aid programme and the amount of any necessary special contribution will then be determined. Cork County Council have been advised accordingly.

In view of the importance of the Lisheen group water scheme could the Minister tell when we can expect implementation of this very important EEC scheme? It has dragged on for a long time and a lot of schemes have been held up on its account. Could we have any date for the implementation of the package?

We hope to be in a position within the next few days to have this scheme in operation.

Could the Minister tell the House when Cork County Council first made application for sanction?

1978.

Congratulations.