Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 7

Written Answers. - Ballinrobe, County Mayo, Sewerage Scheme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

18 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that (a) the sewerage treatment scheme at Ballinrobe, County Mayo is grossly overloaded and, as a result, treatment is minimal, (b) that untreated sewage flows into the river Robe and hence to Lough Mask, thereby seriously polluting the waters of this prime fishing lake; if remedial plans have been received and accepted by his Department from Mayo County Council; and if he will outline when work will commence on the planned augmentation of the Ballinrobe sewerage scheme.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

I am aware of the inadequacies of the existing sewage treatment facilities at Ballinrobe and the difficulties caused by the present discharges.

In August 1989, I approved a preliminary report for the provision of a new tertiary treatment plant to serve Ballinrobe and requested the county council to prepare contract documents as a matter of urgency.

In August 1990, I approved contract documents for the site investigations contract, the results of which would allow contract documents for the overall scheme to be developed. Tenders in relation to the site investigations contract have yet to be submitted to my Department for approval.

The need for a modern sewage treatment plant to serve Ballinrobe has been established and I can assure the Deputy that there will be no delay on the part of my Department in dealing with all matters relating to this priority scheme.