Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

288 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to make available extra funding to enable Galway County Council to take over the Boyounagh-Ballyedmond group water scheme at Clonberne, Ballinasloe, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Galway County Council gave an absolute undertaking to take over this scheme in 2000 on the understanding that the necessary funding would be made available from his Department; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that Galway County Council had sought additional funding specifically for this scheme; if he will make such funds available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4224/02]

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

The approval of group schemes for funding under the take-over measure of the devolved rural water programme is a matter for local authorities themselves. My Department's 2002 block grant allocations to local authorities for the rural water programme were announced on 8 February 2002. Galway County Council's block grant for this year amounts to €5.895 million, of which €0.845 million has been allocated for the take-over measure.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

289 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if all domestic sewerage treatment systems being installed here must be certified where planning has been granted for certified products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4232/02]

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

Planning authorities, where they consider it necessary, may attach a condition to a planning permission requiring the provision of packaged treatment plant for the disposal of sewage from domestic dwellings. Such treatment systems meet standards set by the National Standards Authority of Ireland-Irish Agrément Board. Like all planning conditions, follow up action to ensure compliance with such a condition is a matter for each planning authority concerned.

Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 284.

Austin Deasy

Question:

291 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when a comprehensive sewerage scheme and treatment plant will be put in place in view of the widespread difficulties being experienced throughout Tallow, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4331/02]

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

The Tallow sewerage scheme has been approved for funding under the rural towns and villages initiative and is being progressed by Waterford County Council as an element of a grouped design-build-operate project which will also address the requirements of six other towns and villages in the county. My Department is awaiting the submission of a preliminary report for the grouped project by the council. The overall scope of the project will be further considered by the Department on receipt of the preliminary report, and in the context of the next phase of the water services investment programme.