andMr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the inadequate sewerage facilities and water supply in the town of Portarlington, County Laois, the threat to the health of the community and the effect on the development of the town; and, if so, when he will approve the application of Laois County Council for the improvement works necessary to remedy the problem.

I am aware of the need for the early augmentation of the Portarlington water supply. I have approved of the preliminary report for a major improvement scheme to meet the long term needs of the town and environs and the preparation of contract documents for the first stage of this scheme.

In view of the urgent need to augment the supply approval issued in July 1980 to proposals for an interim augmentation of the supply based on a groundwater source. The groundwater investigations have only recently proved successful and I am awaiting the submission of contract documents for a scheme based on this groundwater source which will make a substantial improvement to the town supply pending the implementation of the major improvement scheme.

Contract documents for the Portarlington sewerage scheme have to be considered in the context of the overall capital resources available for the water and sewerage programme and of the number of schemes already approved for construction for which adequate finance must be provided. I am not as yet in a position to indicate when a decision thereon can be conveyed to the local authority.

In view of the fact that Portarlington is, possibly, the only developing town in the country that has not got a sewage works of any kind, that this situation presents a serious threat to public health in the town — we have examples of sewage coming up in the streets — and that development——

Would you make your question short?

My question will be short. I hope to get to it eventually. In view of the fact that development is being restricted totally by way of housing, with Laois County Council having to refuse planning permissions and not being in a position to build any new houses in Portarlington, would the Minister consider treating Portarlington as an emergency case and will he give us an assurance that provision will be made in his Estimate for next year to provide a new sewerage system in Portarlington?

I understand the Deputy's dilemma. When I know exactly the amount of money that will be allocated to me, I will look at all the schemes and all the urgent ones will be dealt with. From what Deputy Hyland has said I have no doubt the Portarlington scheme will be treated urgently.

I wish to ask a question with regard to the water supply in the town. Is the Minister aware that a number of local authority tenants in the town cannot light fires in the ranges because there is not a water supply during the week-ends? This will be particularly serious during the winter months. I ask the Minister to treat it as a matter of urgency. I am talking about tenants of local authority houses at the Offaly end of the town — part of the town is in Offaly and another part in Laois. Those in the Offaly end are in a particularly bad way now that winter is approaching.

I am awaiting the contract document for the scheme and I am sure Deputy Connolly will be able to give a push to the people responsible for the documents.

9.