asked the Minister for the Environment when his Department will sanction Ballykeeran group water scheme, Athlone, County Westmeath, which has been with his Department for some time.

The design for this scheme has been approved by my Department. Westmeath County Council have also approved of the design subject to the laying of larger pipes by the group in certain sections of the scheme. This modification of design is at present under examination by my Department's technical officers and a decision on the matter will be conveyed to the council as soon as possible.