asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give final approval for Rathmichael water supply scheme as submitted by Dublin county council on 18 March 1982 together with a commitment to provide the necessary funds to enable the scheme to be implemented; and if he will sanction as a matter of urgency the raising of a loan of £207,000 by the Council to enable initial works to commence on the scheme without delay so as to relieve the problem of severe water shortage suffered by many residents living in the Mount Merrion area of County Dublin.

(Dublin South-East): I have approved the council's proposals for the execution of an advance section of the water distribution network to be carried out by direct labour at an estimated cost of £207,000 on the basis of a loan application submitted by the council and on 3 June 1982 I sanctioned the relevant loan. This will enable the most urgent sections of the network to be carried out and will help to alleviate water supply problems in the South County Dublin area.

Dublin County Council are completing the preparation of revised contract documents for the proposed new reservoir at Rathmichael and working drawings for the balance of the water distribution mains.

I am glad that sanction has been given for the £207,000. I suspect that this question on the Order Paper had some part in that. May I draw to the Minister's attention the fact that all relevant documantation has been lodged by Dublin County Council with his Department in relation to the provision of the reservoir and Dublin County Council are at present awaiting sanction to enable them to go to tender for the provision of the reservoir. Would the Minister expedite the granting of that sanction so that the council may go to tender? This is a vital scheme to alleviate water shortage problems which have risen in the south Dublin area and in particular affecting residents in the Mount Merrion area.

(Dublin South-East): I give the Deputy that assurance.

13.