Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
482. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline his Department's plans to replace the cast iron water pipes in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23747/13]
View answer509. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the lack of clean water in the Lifford area of County Donegal over the past six years; if he will allocate funding for pipe replacement in 2013 to Donegal County Council to ensure that problems (details supplied) are rectified without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24353/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 509 together.
Water mains rehabilitation is an integral part of water conservation strategies and indicative funding for such works in County Donegal is set out in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, 2010 – 2013. Under this Programme water services authorities are required to give priority to water conservation works as an alternative to new infrastructure provision.
In common with other water services authorities, Donegal County Council has established a program me of prioritised works for water mains rehabilitation. The first tranche of these works has been approved by my Department and work is nearing completion. I understand from Donegal County Council that the areas of Ballybofey and Lifford are mainly included in other tranches of works, which will be the subject of a further submission to my Department in due course.
The Lough Mourne Regional Water Supply Scheme encompasses the Ballybofey and Lifford areas. As part of this scheme some urgent pipe replacement has been approved by my Department and is currently at construction.
