Mount Talbot regional water scheme
Roscommon County Council’s headworks contract documents were under examination, but approval could not be considered until the council provided a formal certificate confirming completion of planning and legal formalities. Leyden urged prompt sanction, citing the scheme’s capacity and long history; the Minister promised full consideration, followed by a brief exchange about party defections.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will approve as soon as possible the Mount Talbot regional water scheme, County Roscommon; if he will give details of the overall cost of the scheme; the local contribution; and when work will commence.
Comment on this
Roscommon County Council propose to provide a headworks at Mount Talbot Springs which will be a source for the proposed Four Roads group water scheme and augment the regional water scheme for Athleague, Knockcroghery and south Roscommon. The council submitted contract documents for the headworks on 17 November 1982 and these are under examination in my Department. It has been indicated to the council that the question of approving the contract documents cannot be considered until the council submit a formal certificate of completion of planning confirming that all the legal formalities, including acquisition of any necessary sites and the resolution of any outstanding compensation issues, have been completed.
It would not be appropriate for me to disclose the estimated cost of the proposed headworks as this could prejudice tender prices when tenders are being sought for the project in due course. The Four Roads group water scheme have nominated a contractor. Provisional estimates suggest that the group scheme will cost a total of about £400,000 and involve an average local contribution of £500 per group member after allowance is made for grants payable by my Department. I cannot, at this stage, say when work on the group scheme will commence as this is dependent on the approval and commencement of the headworks.
Comment on this
Does the Minister know the background to this scheme? It stretches back for some years. It is the best source of water and will provide a million gallons a day. The Department were very much involved in bringing the group scheme into a regional scheme. In the circumstances, and as we do not have Labour Party representation in County Roscommon — I represent that vote — would he bear all these things in mind and sanction the scheme for the betterment of the county?
Comment on this
In view of the Deputy's willingness to cross the floor I assure him I will give it full consideration.