asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to sanction the laying of a new 28-inch water main to serve the part of Limerick city which is north west of the Shannon, the plans for which were lodged in his Department by Limerick Corporation in 1979; and if he is aware of the serious lack of water pressure there.

The need for this scheme has been established. However, I am not at present in a position to say when approval to the contract documents will issue. The estimated cost of the scheme is £1.129 million. Approval must be considered in the context of the capital resources available for the sanitary services programme and the financing of fully approved schemes in progress or already at construction stage. These include the scheme for expansion of the Clareville Treatment Works in Limerick city at a cost of £3 million so as to increase its capacity from about five million gallons per day to about 11 million gallons per day.

I understand that the corporation are considering improving the water supply pressures in the western parts of the city, pending the laying of the 28-inch pipeline, by the installation of a booster pump. This would cost £10,000 to £15,000 and could be carried out quickly under the small schemes programme. If such a proposal is submitted by the corporation, I will be prepared to see that it is given the highest priority for approval and financing.

9.