64 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to approve contract documents submitted to his Department in April 1987 in relation to the improvement of water supplies to Kilmaine and Shrule, County Mayo particularly having regard to the fact that the current supply to Kilmaine is from a well which is not sufficient to supply the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10655/96]

67 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for the Environment the current position regarding an application made by Mayo County Council in respect of a water supply scheme for Balla and Kiltimagh, County Mayo; and when this application will be sanctioned. [10546/96]

69 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for the Environment the current position regarding the Kilmaine/Shrule water supply scheme, County Mayo for which contract documents were forwarded to his Department in 1987; and when this scheme will be sanctioned. [10549/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 67 and 69 together.

Phase two of the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme extension to Claremorris, costing an estimated £14.5 million and co-financed by the Cohesion Fund, is nearing completion at present. Cohesion Fund approval has also been secured for the planning stage of the next phase of the scheme, the extension to Knock and Ballyhaunis, costing over £15 million.

A number of other major extensions are also proposed, including an extension to Balla-Kiltimagh, costing over £5 million, and an extension to Shrule-Kilmaine, costing £3.5 million. Having regard to the existing level of commitments under the water and sewerage programme, I cannot say when it may be possible to advance these latter extensions.