Vol. 559 No. 5
366 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will expand on his recent statement that he would be insisting that all local authorities give priority to bundled projects when considering applications for grant assistance for water treatment projects. [26268/02]
Since March 2000 group water schemes associated with quality deficient private sources are eligible for a 100% grant for the installation of water treatment and disinfection equipment. To ensure the most cost effective delivery and operation of such equipment, and to secure long-term protection of the related capital investment, my Department's procurement policy in this area is based on design-build-operate contracts, coupled with the bundling of individual projects under a single contract. The same policy applies to smaller public water services schemes. My Department has recently produced a comprehensive procurement guidance document to assist local authorities and group schemes in the implementation of this policy and I am arranging to have a copy sent to the Deputy.
