Vol. 496 No. 6
47 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance the progress, if any, made to date on the Mulcaire drainage scheme; the works which will be carried out by contract and direct labour; the timetable for completion of this project; the estimated total cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23704/98]
Works on the Mulcaire River Cappamore drainage scheme are in progress. The first phase of construction works being carried out by Coffey Construction Limited is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Tenders are currently being invited for tree-felling and fencing contracts on the remainder of the scheme and these will be in place by mid-December this year.
My officials are awaiting a draft programme for the completion of the works from the consulting engineers on the project, Messrs. Fahy Fitzpatrick Limited. This programme is expected in early December. Because the flood relief scheme is subject to considerable environmental considerations certain works can only be carried out at particular times of the year. It is envisaged that the remaining works will be carried out over a two-year period, finishing at the end of the year 2000. The total approved budget for the scheme is £7.038 million. When my officials have examined the draft programme, a detailed works schedule will be drawn up which will specify the works to be completed by direct labour and by contract. This decision will be made early next year.
