asked the Minister for the Environment the reason his Department have refused to give their approval for increased pipe sizes on the Cluid group water supply scheme, County Louth, despite the fact that the work was completed in 1980 at the request of Louth County Council.

My Department have not refused to approve the laying of increased pipe sizes by the Cluid group water scheme. The position is that, following discussions and correspondence with my Department, Louth County Council sought approval in February 1984 to revised proposals for the payment of a special contribution to this group. These proposals are under examination and I expect to make a decision on the matter at an early date.

Is the Minister aware that the work in that case was carried out at the request of Louth County Council in 1980, and up to now the Department have refused to pay the required contribution?

I said this will be looked at, at an early date.

Will the Minister give an assurance that this matter will be settled at an early date? Four years is a long time for a man to wait——

I have only had this since February——

Has some of the money for which Louth County Council applied been paid to the council in respect of another group water scheme in that county?

I am not aware of that.

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