asked the Minister for the Environment when the result of the inquiry into the Dundalk water augmentation order, based on Lough Muckno, will be determined; and if he intends to provide finance in 1983 to Dundalk Urban Council for the scheme.

13.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received the inspector's report in respect of the public inquiry under the Water Supplies Act, 1942, in relation to the Dundalk water augmentation scheme; and, if so, when he will reach a decision on it.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.

I am not yet in a position to give my decision on this proposal but will do so as soon as possible. The inspector's report in question has just been received and is under consideration in my Department.

The question of a financial commitment in respect of the Dundalk water augmentation scheme will not arise until the issue of the Water Rights Order is determined.

Is the Minister aware that for 14 weeks in 1982 Dundalk was restricted to 12 hours rationing, causing great hardship to the people of the town, and that supplies to the local hospital were severely restricted, causing great anxiety and hardship to the hospital authorities? The absence of water is seen as a major fire hazard in the town. Is the Minister aware of those factors?

I am aware of the considerable difficulties experienced by Dundalk for some time in relation to its water needs.

Will the Minister not agree that there is a vital need for augmentation of the water supply in the town in view of the problems experienced during the past year and for some considerable time? Further, will he not agree that having regard to the high rate of unemployment in Dundalk a water supply is vitally necessary to attract new industries?

I should like to draw to the attention of Deputy Faulkner and Deputy McGahon, as local Deputies for the area, some information I have in my brief. In relation to the water supplies provisional order there were 1,176 objections to the proposal for the Lough Muckno-River Fane scheme and in respect of the CPO for the 575 acres of land required for the purpose of the water scheme there were 135 objections from local people to a proposal made by the Dundalk Urban District Council. As the Deputy will understand, these objections are causing some delays in the Department in assessing the scheme.

The Minister may accept that the vast majority of the people in Dundalk are not objecting. They have gone through difficult times because of the shortage of water this year and previous years. I ask the Minister to speed up the inquiries in relation to the CPO and the objections so that the scheme may be proceeded with immediately.

When making a decision, will the Minister take into account that Monaghan County Council had a water supply order on that lake and that the objection was withdrawn? Further, will he take into account that the future for farming and for industrial development in that county depends on Lough Muckno as a major source of supply? If a considerable volume of water was drawn from the lough it could jeopardise industry and the development of farming.

In view of the serious need for water in the largest town in Ireland, is the Minister aware that many water-intensive industries cannot be attracted to Dundalk? I support Deputy Faulkner in his view that the greater need will be served by allowing Dundalk access to Lough Muckno. There is plenty for County Monaghan also.

In reply to all Deputies, I should like to state that it is in the interests of the north-eastern region, both Monaghan and Louth, that this matter which has a long history should be resolved satisfactorily. I shall be meeting members of the Dundalk Urban District Council at 4 p.m. on 16 March and I will be happy to discuss this matter in detail with them.

Will the Minister investigate the other sources of supply in the north-eastern region?

I say to the Deputies who represent that area that it makes the work of the Department and of the Minister far more effective and efficient if local representatives in adjoining counties can agree on a common approach to a problem that directly affects all of them.

There is a severe water shortage in Dundalk and there is a population of 25,000 people there.