Vol. 411 No. 4
169 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the policy of his Department in relation to encouraging efficient and cost-saving dovetailing of sewage pipe laying works and road surfacing works; if he will ensure that local authorities who harmonise such works are not penalised for doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I agree that the economic benefits of dovetailing separate contracts or programmes should be fully realised and that the efficiency of capital expenditure financed by the Exchequer should be maximised. It has accordingly been the long-standing policy and practice of my Department to promote as far as possible a co-ordinated approach to the construction of schemes on both the roads and water and sanitary services capital programmes.
