The Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to start construction next year at an estimated cost of almost €47 million.
Waterford County Council are advancing the scheme on the basis of there being separate contracts for the collection systems for each location and all wastewater treatment plants being procured under a single Design Build and Operate contract. I understand that the Council is currently preparing contract documents for all elements of the scheme and these will be dealt with as quickly as possible following receipt in my Department. However, I also understand that an application has been made to the Courts for a judicial review of the Part 8 planning approval for the Ardmore wastewater treatment plant element of the scheme. This issue will need to be resolved before this particular element of the project will be able to advance to the tender stage.