Noel Ahern
Question:1 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to reverse his decision regarding the siting of the Mutton Island sewage treatment plant in County Galway. [9419/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Sewage Treatment Plant.
The decision to approve the location on Mutton Island of the sewage treatment plant for Galway was taken after the fullest consideration of all the environmental issues involved. I remain convinced that, from an environmental point of view, Mutton Island is the best site. However, I have always been open to suggestions for minimising the visual impact of the current proposal and I am examining possibilities in this respect.
I understand there has been a further communication from the EU Commission which is still of the view that the plant should be sited elsewhere and has offered to pay any additional costs involved. Is the Minister not well disposed to take up its offer since it is prepared to pick up the tab?
I have placed in the Library of the House all the correspondence on the issue between my Department and the Commission. I have not received any recent correspondence on the matter. Mutton Island is the best site. This decision was not taken lightly but only after the most careful analysis. It is supported by members of every party in the House, the democratically elected members of Galway Corporation and all the Members of the European Parliament who represent the constituency. Is the Deputy suggesting that the members of his party who represent the constituency hold a different view from the one expressed publicly and privately?
I am not suggesting that any member of my party holds a different view, but that one of the Minister's Cabinet colleagues and a member of his party who represents the constituency seems to hold a different view. The Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Higgins, is making noises and seems to be genuflecting in the direction of the Save Galway Bay group. I am seeking a clear Government decision on the matter. The Minister may feel that he has made its position clear, but his Cabinet and party colleague is giving the impression in the constituency that the matter is being reconsidered, that a final decision has not been made and that he is still working on the Minister. Will the Minister make a categorical statement and get on with it?
This issue has been ongoing for a long time and I will get on with it. My objective is to provide the best sewage treatment plant for every urban area. Galway is an important city which is developing and requires the best treatment plant that can be put in place. Following an exhaustive process of analysis I announced the decision on its location. My colleague, the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, has said repeatedly that he supports this decision. I made it clear when I announced the decision in Galway that I was anxious to have the plant built with as little disruption as possible and to receive design proposals which would minimise the visual impact. This process is ongoing. The decision is supported by all my Cabinet colleagues and the overwhelming majority of the people of Galway and their elected representatives.
On a point of order, before he is submerged on Mutton Island, would it be in order to congratulate the Minister on his 40th birthday and ask him if he received his red tie as a present?
We all concur, but the timing of the Deputy's intervention was wrong. This is an important issue.
I agree with the Deputy.
I thank the Minister for his categorical decision on the matter which has been ongoing for a number of years. It is supported by Fianna Fáil. The process was set in train by previous Fianna Fáil Ministers.
The treatment plant was approved by Commissioner Pádraig Flynn, who is now sitting at the table with the Commissioner who is refusing to sanction EU funding for it.
I thank the Minister for his definite response and hope that he will not be undermined by a party member at local level.