Vol. 477 No. 5
15 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a letter from Galway Corporation seeking a reinstatement of his support, which was given in January 1996, for the proposed Mutton Island sewage treatment plant in Galway city and seeking his approval to proceed to finalise the design of the original plant on the island using the conventional tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9550/97]
24 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for the Environment the response, if any, he has made to date to the request by Galway Corporation to clarify his position in relation to Mutton Island. [9747/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 24 together.
I wrote to the Mayor of Galway last October suggesting that the corporation should consider the option of a treatment plant based on alternative technology that would allow the facilities to be built underground on Mutton Island, without the need for a permanent causeway. For reasons which I have publicly explained, that remains my preferred option.
I have since received a reply from Galway Corporation stating its preference for an overground plant serviced by a causeway, although the plans to proceed on this basis have been challenged in High Court proceedings. I replied to the most recent letter on 27 January 1997 and I met a deputation from the corporation on 27 February.
The corporation, both in its letter and at the meeting, asked that I agree a twin-track approach which would involve the undertaking of two detailed designs for different projects one of which would, by definition, never be constructed. In the circumstances, and bearing in mind the legal proceedings, I do not consider that it would be justifiable to approve such an approach and the major additional planning and design costs which it would involve. I made my position on this matter clear to the corporation in my letter and at the meeting referred to.
