Vol. 434 No. 9
54 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment whether he will sanction any sewerage scheme proposals currently before him with particular reference to areas where failure to do so can lead to pollution of waterways; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The protection of inland and coastal waterways from pollution is a priority objective of the water and sanitary services programme. The environmental action programme outlined the Government's commitment to this objective which is reaffirmed in the National Development Plan. EC support for the programme will be available through the Cohesion and Structural Funds. I am determined that the benefits of the considerable Exchequer and EC investment available to the programme should be maximised and that as many new treatment facilities as possible should be commissioned over the period of the programme.
