asked the Minister for the Environment the present position of the group water scheme from Abbeyleix to Derrykieran; and if approval will be given so that the many residents of Derrykieran, who have been awaiting such a scheme for several years may benefit.

My Department approved this proposal on 22 October last, and grants totalling £1,800 were provisionally allocated to the scheme.

An instalment of these grants will be issued to the group shortly, and my Department is also notifying Laois County Council that the special contribution of £1,279, approved to cover increased pipe sizes on the scheme, may now be paid.