The Kenmare Water Supply Scheme was included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at a cost of over €8m.
The distribution network contract for the scheme is substantially complete. Kerry County Council has submitted Tender Documents for the water treatment plant Design/Build/Operate (DBO) contract to my Department for approval. However, before my Department can complete its examination of these documents further information is awaited from the Council.
Water services authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. In preparing these assessments, water services authorities were required to take into consideration key environmental and economic criteria in prioritizing contracts and schemes to be progressed in their areas. My Department is currently finalising its consideration of these assessments, which form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme that I expect to publish in the coming weeks.