(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment if he will explain the delay in making further grant payments in respect of Turfad group water scheme, Bailieboro, County Cavan.

Final payment of grants on this scheme was withheld pending satisfactory completion of the scheme. My Department's inspector recently made a final inspection of the scheme and arrangements are now being made to pay the balance of grants due into the group's bank account.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister tell us when the request was made for the inspection of the scheme?

A certificate was signed for the scheme in the Department in November 1973. On 1 February 1974 the design was forwarded to the county council and approved by them in May 1974. A certificate of approval issued for the scheme in July 1974 and work commenced in January 1975.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Some grants have been paid. When was application made for the payment of the final grant? That is what I want to know.

The Department's inspector recently made a final inspection——

(Cavan-Monaghan): But when was he asked to make it?

I have not got the date.

(Cavan-Monaghan): It is a long time since application was made for the payment of this grant. Is the Minister aware that because the inspection was not carried out payment of the grant has been held up by Cavan County Council and the Minister's Department? I consider it most unfair.

I have nothing on the file which —

(Cavan-Monaghan): It is conveniently left off the file.