Vol. 560 No. 1
939 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is considering increasing the amount of grant aid for group sewerage schemes in regard to the significant increase in costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1845/03]
The national rural water monitoring committee has recommended a pilot programme by local authorities to test a range of new, small-scale wastewater collection and treatment systems, based on design-build-operate procurement, as a means of meeting the requirements of small rural communities. My Department has accepted the recommendation and expressions of interest have been sought by the relevant local authorities for the provision of such facilities at some 12 locations around the country. Subject to a satisfactory outcome to the pilot testing, the report envisages a potential role for group sewerage schemes in the collection of domestic wastewater from households outside the immediate catchment of the new treatment systems. The confirmation of such a role for group sewerage schemes and any review of the associated grants must await the results of the pilot programme.
940 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has sanctioned funding as requested from Mayo County Council for extensions to the Westport main drainage scheme; the progress which has been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1896/03]
Further consideration will be given to Mayo County Council's proposals for certain extensions to this scheme, which is under construction, on receipt of the additional information requested from the council in May and November 2002 and earlier this month.
941 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department has received an application for funding for the development of a new sewerage treatment plant in Mullingar, to accommodate the increase in population and the projected increase in population and development in the Mullingar area; and if he will ensure that same is brought forward as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1982/03]
The Mullingar sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2002-04 as a scheme to commence construction in 2004, at an estimated cost of over €25 million. The preliminary report and environmental impact statement for the scheme recently submitted by Westmeath County Council are under consideration in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
