Vol. 519 No. 5
249 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the Lough Gill to Ballygawley water scheme will be completed in view of the difficulties that currently exist with the totally inadequate supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14432/00]
The Sligo and environs regional water supply scheme is under construction. I understand from Sligo County Council that it is proposed to connect the Ballygawley group water scheme to the regional scheme as soon as possible.
250 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he accepted the recommendations of the risk analysis carried out by a consultant to Kildare County Council in November 1999, entitled Risk Analysis Concerning the Ecological Impacts of a Tanked Construction at the Kildare-By-Pass, which deals with the collection of baseline data and the preparation of a water management plan for Pollardstown Fen; and, if so, if there will be a period of public consultation during the preparation of this plan. [14433/00]
Having reviewed a range of reports in relation to the possible environmental impact of the Kildare by-pass on Pollardstown Fen, including the report, Risk Analysis Concerning the Ecological Impacts of a Tanked Construction on the Kildare By-Pass, I determined in December 1999 that the revised project would not adversely affect the integrity of the fen, provided that the recommendations contained in the reports, including the report in question, are implemented.
The project will be subject to ongoing environmental monitoring, supervised by the Kildare by-pass groundwater monitoring committee which comprises representatives of Kildare County Council, Dúchas, the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish National Stud and the National Roads Authority, and is supported by independent experts in relation to hydrogeological and ecological matters.
A water management plan for the purposes of the project is being prepared by Kildare County Council, assisted by an independent expert. Elements of this plan relevant to the construction phase of the by-pass have already been incorporated in a protocol which forms part of the contract documents for the project. Formal public consultation is not envisaged in relation to the preparation of this water management plan, which will be presented to the groundwater monitoring committee when completed. The plan will constitute an important input to an overall conservation management plan for Pollardstown Fen currently being prepared by Dúchas.
