Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 1

Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul McGrath

Question:

268 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, further to his response to the Adjournment Debate on 25 October 2000 concerning the poor water supply for Moate, County Westmeath, an adequate supply to augment the Moate supply has been identified; the possible costs of connecting to this supply; if moneys are available from his Department for such works; the expenditure in the past two years to date in trying to find a supplementary supply; and the stages and time frame for an adequate supply to this town. [29294/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The advancement of an interim solution to the water supply requirements of the Moate area is, in the first instance, a matter for Westmeath County Council. The council would, therefore, be in the best position to advise on current progress and on the expenditure incurred by them to date in that regard.

Stage two of the south Westmeath regional water supply scheme envisages a water supply extension from Athlone to serve Moate. Progress with stage two is contingent on completion of stage one which has been included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2000-2002 to advance through planning. My Department is currently awaiting the submission by the council of a preliminary report in respect of stage one, which will be dealt with as quickly as possible on receipt.

I have recently approved an increase in Westmeath County Council's current allocation for small public schemes under the rural water programme as a consequence of savings by the council on the group schemes side. It is a matter for the council itself to determine on which schemes the allocation is expended.