asked the Minister for Local Government if he will have inquiries made into the delay in giving Artane, Coolock, Portmarnock and adjoining areas in County Dublin a water supply sufficient to enable building societies to continue the building of houses in these districts, and, further, whether he is aware that a scheme of house building is held up because of the failure to supply water.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Water Supplies.
Mr. Byrne
The areas referred to will be served by the North Dublin regional water supply scheme which is being undertaken by the Dublin County Council. Tenders for two sections of the scheme have been approved. Contract drawings have been approved for a third section, comprising the reservoir at Ballycoolan, and the specification, bill of quantities and details of steel reinforcement are awaited.
Although the provision of a water supply in the areas may permit of some further local housing development, the completion of the first section of the Howth outfall sewerage scheme will be a material factor in determining the county council's policy on proposals for major building developments.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister use his great influence to get these various authorities to come together to speed it up, as there is a scheme of housing already held up in Artane and the men may lose employment and go away?
Is the Minister aware that the North Dublin regional water supply scheme is likely to take a good deal of time before it comes to maturity? Is he aware that in the meantime housing schemes are held up by virtue of water shortage, in the Artane district particularly, and would he consider making representations to Dublin Corporation to make a temporary supply available to those schemes pending the completion of the North Dublin scheme.
I certainly will bring the observations of Deputies to the notice of the county council and I might say that special permission has been given for some of the houses referred to.
Mr. Byrne
Probably; but there are another 100 postponed.