asked the Minister for the Environment if funds will be made available in the 1990 capital programme for the Headford, County Galway sewerage scheme; if all the necessary reports have been received from Galway County Council for this scheme to enable it to be funded; when work will commence; and the sum likely to be allocated from his Department for completion of this scheme.

192.

asked the Minister for the Environment the present position concerning the Headford sewerage scheme, County Galway; if Galway County Council submitted a preliminary study to his Department; and if money will be provided for the Headford sewerage improvement scheme in next year's Estimates.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 192 together.

As the Minister for the Environment informed the House on 9 March 1989, Galway County Council submitted a proposal for this area for inclusion under the 1989 small schemes programme. As the proposal would cost in excess of the limit of £50,000, it was not possible to consider it under this programme. The council submitted a revised proposal on 10 November last and this is being examined in my Department.

I am calling first Deputy Pádraic McCormack who is present in the House and has a question tabled on the subject.

Is the Minister aware that effluent from the Headford sewerage scheme is untreated, that it flows into Limnaugh Bay on the Corrib river one mile from the town and that two major group water schemes draw their water supplies from that bay? This is a matter of urgency and it is not a question of saying that because the scheme did not qualify for inclusion under the 1989 small schemes programme the work should not be done. This work should be carried out as a matter of urgency. There is a risk factor to the health of those people who draw their water supplies from Limnaugh Bay into which the Headford stream runs one mile from the untreated sewerage at Headford town.

I am aware that the existing service in the Headford area is not adequate and is causing pollution to the Headford stream. My colleague, the Minister for Energy, has made me more than aware of this. I agree it is a priority——

The Minister of State will jump up to the head of the queue now.

With alacrity.

——and I would be optimistic that the matter will be attended to shortly.

Before the next local elections.

It is misleading to say that it is causing pollution only to the Headford stream; it is also causing pollution to Limnaugh Bay on Lough Corrib. This lake is the source of water supply for all of Galway city and Limnaugh Bay is the source of water supply for two large group water schemes, one with over 10,000 members and the other with over 600 members. The Annaghdown water scheme and the Caherlistrane-Kilcoonagh group water schemes draw their water directly from Limnaugh Bay into which untreated sewerage flows. It is not good enough——

I am anxious to facilitate Deputy McCormack in every way by way of eliciting information——

I do not bother you too often.

——but the Deputy must not make a speech.

Apart from this, all the fine trout in that lake are at risk.

That is the only way they will die now.

Sin scéal eile.

Question No. 19, please.