asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the unsatisfactory water supply in Tuam town, County Galway; and if EC funds could be sought to bring a supply from Lough Corrib.

The initiation of proposals for the improvement of the water supply is a matter for the local authority. There are no proposals for a water supply scheme to serve Tuam town with my Department at present. I understand, however, that the county council are preparing a preliminary report for a water supply scheme for Tuam which will be submitted to my Department for examination and approval in due course.

Any question of EC aid being used to finance such a proposal would not arise until such time as a scheme has otherwise been fully approved.