Vol. 520 No. 2
123 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the new services or the extension of existing services contained in the national development plan, which are funded by his Department, which have commenced or will commence in County Westmeath in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15437/00]
124 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the capital programmes contained in the national development plan and funded by his Department that have commenced or will commence in the Westmeath constituency in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15463/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together.
The national development plan sets out a framework for the development of physical infrastructure, including national roads, public transport, water services, energy, housing and health facilities, over the period 2000 to 2006. This framework will be further elaborated in the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme and Programme Complement that are at present being drawn up. In addition, two regional operational programmes, for the Border, midland and western region and the southern and eastern region, will outline proposals for investment in the development of infrastructure such as waste management, non-national roads, rural water schemes and urban and village development.
The selection, planning, design and implementation of individual infrastructural projects under the national development plan is the responsibility of various implementing bodies, including Departments, local authorities, the National Roads Authority, and other public bodies. This detailed work is now under way and every effort is being made to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of improved infrastructure throughout the country, including County Westmeath.
