asked the Minister for the Environment if he will approve the contract for stage I of the Listowel regional water scheme which comprises a pipe line from Listowel to Lisselton.

I am not yet in a position to convey a decision to Kerry County Council on the tenders for stage I — civil works and pumping plant — of the Listowel regional water supply scheme which are under consideration in my Department.

A tender has been submitted, the county council and the Department are quite satisfied with it. It is very important that approval be given to this scheme because it will provide supply to 300 householders and a supplementary supply to Ballybunion because the water supply there at present is completely inadequate. Would the Minister give approval to this scheme as soon as possible?

I will have this scheme examined because I understand the inadequacy of the supply as stated by the Deputy. I have to examine this in the context of the overall allocation and, as soon as I have an opportunity of doing that, I shall come to a decision.