asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department are in communication with the Northern Ireland authorities in an endeavour to provide water for the Alt-Raws-Drumdoit-Doneyloop group water supply scheme; and, if so, when he expects to finalise the agreement.

Under pilot devolution arrangements Donegal County Council are responsible for initial processing of group water scheme proposals. I understand that the local authority are negotiating with the Northern Ireland authorities with a view to securing a supply of water from the Clady Bridge public water scheme for the proposed group water scheme at Alt-Raws, County Donegal.

I cannot anticipate when an agreement will be reached as this depends on progress with the negotiations between the two parties directly involved.