I thank the Minister for taking this matter. Contract documents for the Fermoy water supply scheme were lodged by Fermoy Urban District Council in the Department of the Environment in September 1996 for ministerial approval with a request that the council be allowed advertise the scheme for public tender. In 1991 I spoke to the then Minister for the Environment who continually refused to allow for the drawing up of contract documents for that scheme. Had it been allowed, the scheme would have been completed by now.
The scope of the scheme requires extensions to the existing delivery and distribution network; construction of storage reservoir, water tower and ancillary equipment; metering waste detection and pressure controls and replacement and refurbishment of defective service connections. Part of the extension works to the existing distribution systems and of the refurbishment of service connections have already been carried out under minor works contracts in the period 1985 to 1990, which were funded by the Department. The construction cost of the overall works described above is estimated at approximately £3 million.
The proposed works for stage 3 of the Fermoy water supply scheme need to be implemented as a matter of urgency as the existing system can no longer meet the increasing demand arising from proposed developments, particularly in the higher level environs of the town. Accordingly, it has been found necessary to restrict and refuse development in certain areas which would otherwise have been developed. The deficiencies in the existing system mean that the town is particularly susceptible to disruption in supply in the event of even minor breakdowns, in the pumping plant at source, rising main, or delivery main to the town. It is not possible to properly control waste without the provision of monitoring and waste detection measures.
The implementation of the proposed scheme would improve the existing supply to the town by upgrading, extending and renewing parts of the distribution network and by providing adequate storage close to the town. The scheme provides for dividing the pipe network into separate pressure zones thereby eliminating extremes of pressure and also provides for flow monitoring and waste detection. There would be less likelihood of interruption to the supply following the implementation of the proposed works and areas currently approved for development but which are prohibited from being developed due to inadequate supply, would be serviced by the proposed scheme.
Fermoy is a self-help community. Proof of this lies in the provision of a substantial local contribution to assist State funding in the refurbishment of Fermoy swimming pool in 1994-5. Four substantial industrial/commercial multinational companies have been attracted to the town in recent years through vibrant local co-operation with the IDA: SCI Ireland, Metropolitan Life, BUPA and Berg Electronics. The latter company will commence its operation on 2 April 1997 in an advance factory constructed entirely by local contributions.
Future development in all its facets is being impeded because of the urban council's inability to store and distribute public water supplies in the area due to the lack of a modern supply network. It would be an investment that would bring a big return. I appeal for a commitment from the Minister.
