Vol. 454 No. 8
2 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will approve the lands for disposal to Wicklow County Council to enable the west Wicklow water scheme to proceed in view of the substantial sums already spent on site investigation and the need for a water supply in the west Wicklow area. [11602/95]
The Department of Defence is anxious to facilitate Wicklow County Council in the provision of a water supply scheme for the west Wicklow area. I am advised, however, that the site chosen by the council for the construction of an impoundment dam would severely restrict military usage of the Glen of Imaal as a training area. Furthermore, the area in question cannot be declared free from unexploded ordnance and would, therefore, present a safety risk. These difficulties have been explained to Wicklow County Council and the council has been informed that the Department is willing to explore any alternative options which would be mutually acceptable to the council and the Department.
The Minister's response is disappointing although I accept some details cannot be made known for security reasons. This matter has been the subject of ongoing discussions while approximately £300,000 has been spent in conducting a site investigation. It was only after the go-ahead was given that obstacles were encountered. I am at a loss to understand why it was not made known that difficulties might arise while the site investigation was being conducted so that moneys could be saved and an alternative site found much earlier given the need for a water supply in the area concerned.
In 1984 Wicklow County Council conducted a site investigation in the Glen of Imaal. When the Department became aware in 1992, when the Deputy was a member of Government, that it was proposed to construct a dam in the area in question it conveyed its objections and concerns to the council which was requested to consider alternative locations on operational and safety grounds. It is not true, therefore, that the Department only changed its mind in the past six to 12 months.
I have to consider the question of safety. It would be irresponsible of me and the Department to give the go-ahead when we have been told by the experts that it would be dangerous to construct a dam in the area concerned and they could not give a guarantee that the lives and safety of people would not be put at risk. The decision was not taken in the past six to 12 months; it was made clear to the council three years ago that the site in question was not suitable.
I am astounded by the reply which I accept is truthful. I approved the scheme for which we were to receive approximately £6 million in Cohesion Funds in the autumn of last year. I am now told that, notwithstanding the submission made at the time, the local authority had been aware for a number of years of the difficulties on this site. It is an extraordinary indictment of the council that it continues to pursue a particular line for the provision of water supply which has serious locational difficulties in terms of security. Will the Minister accept the local authority should discontinue its endeavours to locate the site in that area and look for an alternative site immediately? Will he assure me that his Department will give every support necessary to ensure the scheme proceeds at a different location?
My Department is willing to explore alternative options that are mutually acceptable to the council and the Department. We are very conscious of the need for a water scheme to service the west Wicklow area and will facilitate this in whatever way possible. However, I cannot agree to a site which I have been advised by experts is unsafe. I agree there is no point in flogging a dead horse; if the site is not suitable for safety reasons we would be delighted to co-operate in finding an alternative site. There have been ongoing discussions between council and Department officials on this issue and I have been advised that the dangers involved were made clear to the council in 1992.
Will the Minister write a final and conclusive letter to the local authority outlining what he stated today so that the ongoing discussions on this site will be concluded? There is deadlock in this instance and the Minister would greatly facilitate matters by informing the local authority of the position in writing immediately.
I will arrange for my officials to communicate with Wicklow County Council.
