Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 4

Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Edward Nealon

Question:

152 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Environment in view of circular L1/97 of 21 January 1997, from his Department, if the question of funding for Lurganboy sewerage scheme, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, has been devolved to Leitrim County Council; the proportion of the £50 million being made available in 1997 in block grant form to local authorities in respect of small public water and sewerage schemes and to Leitrim County Council; if he will bring these matters to the attention of local authorities when they are drawing up their priority lists in view of the fact that the contract documents for the extension have been in the possession of his Department for some time and this has been an issue since the 1960s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4948/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Responsibility for the administration of group schemes, and water and sewerage schemes costing less than £250,000, is being devolved to local authorities. The block grant allocations to individual local authorities, within the total of £15 million available for this purpose, have not yet been decided.

Since the latest estimated cost of the Lurganboy scheme is in excess of £250,000 it will not be covered by the new arrangements. Contract documents for the scheme are with my Department but, given the high level of commitments under the water and sewerage programme, I cannot say when it may be possible to approve them.

Noel Treacy

Question:

153 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment if he will sanction a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the date on which this will be sanctioned; the amount of money to be allocated; the date on which construction will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4950/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The position is unchanged since the reply to Questions Nos. 76 and 77 of 21 November 1996.