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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

890 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the group water schemes which are included in the County Monaghan bundle which he approved; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that four of the schemes which had initially been considered for inclusion in the bundle have been withdrawn from the bundle; his understanding of the current status of these four schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1159/03]

The provision and operation of water disinfection and treatment facilities for three local authority public water supply schemes and the following eleven group water schemes was approved under the Monaghan pilot project for water services – Aughnashalvey, Barraghy, Churchill/Oram, Corduff, Donaghamoyne, Doohamlet, Drumgole, Killanny, Stranooden, Truagh and Tydavnet.

On completion of the tender process, the following group schemes withdrew from the project – Aughnashalvey, Corduff, Donaghamoyne and Killanny. Construction is under way on the remaining ten schemes. Alternative proposals are awaited from the other four groups that would accord with my Department's procurement guidance document for water treatment plants for group water schemes. It would also be open to the groups to consider rejoining the pilot project.

Mary Wallace

Question:

891 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the regulations which apply to the size of a site in an unserviced area; in particular, if a regulation specifies that the site size must be at least a half acre even in a situation where a sewerage treatment is proposed; and the content of the relevant regulation. [1175/03]

The current standard for domestic effluent treatment and disposal from single dwelling houses is set out in Recommendation SR6:1991, which was drawn up by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and which was issued by the Department by way of circular letter to each planning authority on 8 January 1992.

Recommendation SR6 indicates that, in general, site sizes for the proposed dwelling should be such that the septic tank effluent can be disposed of within the boundary of the site, without recourse to disposal in adjoining land, even in the event of failure of both the main and reserve percolation areas. Where a site has no mains supply, SR6 indicates that the basis for determining the site size must be the nature of the soil and subsoil and the depth to water table and-or fissure rock. Where groundwater is afforded good natural protection, for example by a thick clay-rich soil and subsoil, the recommendation is that that the site be no less than 2,000 square metres, approximately half an acre. Where the natural protection is limited, for example gravel rich soil and subsoil, the site should be no less than 3000 square metres. SR6 indicates that the overall density of septic tank systems in a locality may also need to be limited if there is likely to be a build up of contaminants, such as nitrates in the water supply. Sites with mains water supply, i.e. which do not depend on a groundwater supply within the curtilage may be slightly smaller. The minimum site size recommended for sites with a mains water supply is 1,500 square metres.

The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA has published a draft manual on treatment systems for single houses in 2000 which was designed to help planning authorities, builders and others to deal with the complexities of on-site systems, including packaged systems. Instead of recommending a minimum site size, the draft EPA manual makes recommendations about matters such as separation distances from water courses and wells, site boundaries etc.

I understand that the EPA are currently reviewing the draft manual in the light of com ments received from interested parties. My intention is to call up the revised EPA manual, when available, in technical guidance document C-drainage and waste water disposal – on the national building regulations. I also understand that the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI intends, at that stage, to withdraw SR6: 1991 in favour of the revised manual.

Paul McGrath

Question:

892 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if an application for funding to augment the water supply at Castletown Geoghegan, County Westmeath has been received in his Department; the date of this application; and if funding for this project will be made available in 2003. [1215/03]

My Department received proposals in June 2002 from Westmeath County Council for interim works to improve the water supply in the south western high level areas of the Mullingar regional water supply scheme, including Castletown Geoghegan, as part of either the South Westmeath regional water supply scheme or the Mullingar Regional Water Supply Network Scheme. Both schemes are included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2002-2004 to advance through planning. The interim proposals are under consideration in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

893 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when a decision will be taken on an extension to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matters outstanding to make the decision. [1218/03]

Preliminary proposals for six extensions to the Carndonagh sewerage scheme, which is under construction under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2002-2004, were submitted to my Department by Donegal County Council for evaluation in October 2002. The council has been requested to provide further detailed information, including an economic evaluation of the proposals.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

894 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position in relation to a rural water scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on matters outstanding. [1219/03]

I understand that contract documents for Phase 3 of the Desertegney West Inishowen rural water supply scheme, which is under construction under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2002-2004, are being prepared by Donegal County Council. They will be dealt with as quickly as possible on receipt in my Department.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

895 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position in relation to the Lagan Desert water supply scheme, stage 3, in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matters outstanding. [1220/03]

This scheme has been approved for funding under the rural towns and villages initiative. Preliminary documentation submitted by Donegal County Council, including a strategy report on the water supply situation in the Inishowen Peninsula, is currently under examination in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

896 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position in relation to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on matters outstanding. [1221/03]

This scheme has been approved for funding under the rural towns and villages initiative. The preliminary report for the scheme submitted by Donegal County Council is under examination in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

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