asked the Minister for the Environment if he will provide funds for the development of a new sewerage scheme for Strokestown, County Roscommon; the estimated cost of the project; and the expected commencement date.
51.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Strokestown (County Roscommon) Sewerage Scheme.
14.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will allocate funds for the sewerage scheme at Strokestown, County Roscommon.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 51 together.
Revised preliminary report proposals and contract documents for the Strokestown sewerage scheme were received in my Department on 15 September, 1986, and are being examined at present. The provision of funds for this scheme will not arise until this examination is finalised. It would not be appropriate for me to divulge the estimated cost of the scheme at this stage as to do so could prejudice any further tendering process.
Is the Minister aware that the fact that this scheme is not going ahead at the moment has held up the development of a major industry in Strokestown and that the existing sewerage works are located at the rear of a firm called Manton & Company Ltd.? This firm manufacture containers for export. They are unable to extend their premises due to the sewerage scheme being in its present position and in the circumstances, as there is a question of job creation involved, would the Minister please consider approval of the scheme as a matter of priority?
Yes.
Would the Minister state that the approval would be given in 1986? Can be approve the scheme now?
I cannot do that now, in the Chamber, this minute. The Deputy will appreciate that the scheme was submitted only in the middle of last month. There was a delay of some years while the council were preparing their information. We are very conscious that there are employment implications for the firm involved and for that reason I indicated to the Deputy that we would make a decision as soon as possible.