Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Apr 1995

Vol. 452 No. 2

Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Virginia (Cavan) Sewerage Scheme.

Brendan Smith

Question:

13 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding Virginia sewerage scheme, County Cavan; if this scheme has been included in an application for Cohesion funding; if so, the date the application was made and when it is expected to receive approval from the European Commission; and if his attention has been drawn to the need to have this project commenced at the earliest possible date in view of the total inadequacy of the present scheme and the urgent need to protect the water quality of Lough Ramor. [7609/95]

Mr. Howlin

This project is included in the River Boyne catchment protection scheme for which an application for Cohesion Fund assistance was submitted to the EU Commission in December 1994. A decision on the application is awaited.

Mr. B. Smith

I am glad the Minister has confirmed that this scheme has been submitted for inclusion in Cohesion Funding. Will he say when it is expected to have a response in respect of the Boyne catchment scheme?

Mr. Howlin

This is one of a number of schemes that have been submitted. I had a meeting in the last fortnight with Regional Affairs Commissioner WulfMathies when she visited Dublin, at which we discussed the Cohesion Fund applications. She indicated that she hopes to have a decision transmitted to us during May or early June. I will then be in a position to make an announcement on the projects to be advanced.

Mr. B. Smith

I hope the Minister will receive that positive response by early June. When does he expect to be in a position to approve the contract documents in respect of the Virginia scheme and when will tenders be invited?

Mr. Howlin

The water and sanitary provision will be funded in three different parts, mainly by Cohesion Funds, by Structural Funds and by domestic funding. The entire package will be put together as soon as I am aware of the amount of money available and the individual projects that comply with criteria set down by the EU under the various schemes. When that information is available I will set a timeframe for approval of projects and tender documents.

Mr. B. Smith

Will the Minister accept that the Virginia scheme must be a priority in view of the total inadequacy of the present scheme for the town and the dangers posed by it to a major waterway, namely, Lough Ramor?

Mr. Howlin

I accept the current system is totally inadequate. It was designed in the 1930s for a population of 300 people and it now serves a catchment of 1,500 people. It is one of a range of schemes that need to be significantly upgraded and enhanced and that is why we submitted it as a priority to the Commission for approval. I hope it will be advanced together with the other significant treatment plants as soon as resources become available.

Mr. B. Smith

Will the Minister ensure that tenders are approved by the end of 1995 so that construction work will commence in early 1996?

Mr. Howlin

I am bound by the decision from Brussels on approval. I have no reason to believe this scheme will not be approved, but until we hear from the Commission on the applications currently before it, which I expect will be within the next six weeks, I cannot give definitive commitments of the type sought by the Deputy.

Mr. Ellis

I request that Questions Nos. 15 and 54 in my name be deferred.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That is noted.