asked the Minister for the Environment the reason grant approval for the Antrane-Thomastown group water scheme, County Roscommon, has not yet been issued; and the reason there is such a major delay.

Consideration of this group scheme has been prolonged by Roscommon County Council's proposal to increase the amount of the special contribution already approved in respect of the scheme. The approved design is also being re-examined to ensure that it is compatible with firm proposals which recently emerged for other group schemes in the vicinity.

I cannot say at this stage when grants may be allocated or paid for this scheme but I will ensure that there will be no avoidable delay in dealing with it so far as my Department are concerned.

Is the Minister aware that this group scheme was submitted in June 1983 and that a loan of £52,000 to pay for it was approved by the Department in February 1984? However, another group scheme in the area came on stream and there had to be some slight changes in the plan. Does the Minister agree the delays are totally unwarranted?

I am aware of the information given by the Deputy. In June, Roscommon County Council requested approval from the Department for a total of £74,000 which included an increase in the contribution of £22,000. The increase is to take account of additional materials necessary for the scheme which, of course increased the cost of the original specification. I have arranged for a senior Department inspector to examine the position with a view to improving the progress, which has been slow up to now.