Fahy group water scheme subvention
The Minister declined Mayo County Council’s request for a £11,962 subvention, citing the scheme’s eligible membership, new connections and development potential. After the Deputy argued extra costs arose from requirements to match the regional scheme, the Minister agreed to review the case if given examples of comparable allocations.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will sanction a subvention of £11,962 which was requested unanimously by Mayo County Council for Fahy/Kilmaclasser group water scheme.
Comment on this
State grants totalling £59,000 were allocated to the Fahy group water scheme, of which £58,240 has been paid to date. The request for approval to a subvention of £11,962 submitted by Mayo County Council has been fully examined by my Department, and it is considered that a subvention is not warranted having regard to the number of grant eligible members, the number of new house connections to the scheme and its potential for further development.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that in this scheme the group were asked to supply larger pipes so that they would conform with the regional scheme and that the extra cost incurred was as a result of a request from the county council? In view of the fact that, traditionally, subvention has always been paid in these cases by the Department, would he agree they should get the same treatment in this case as has been given in other cases in the county?
Comment on this
This group has been treated similarly to other groups. The local inspector has reported that whilst the grants are in accordance with what is paid elsewhere there is a problem here because private houses were connected where an adequate contribution had not been made and this is partly responsible for the demand for the extra allocation from the Department. I am not aware of the facts as stated by the Deputy but I shall look into the matter.
Comment on this
I assure the Minister that what I have said is correct. I am merely asking him to conform to what has been the practice in relation to providing subventions where groups were asked to conform with the planning for regional schemes in the county. I can quote several instances where subventions have been paid by the Department.