Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2014
118. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the status of schemes (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17057/14]
View answerThe Kilrush and Kilkee Sewerage Scheme was included as a scheme at Planning in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. The Scheme provides for the construction of two new wastewater treatment plants in the areas of Kilrush and Kilkee and the upgrade of the existing Network Collection System in each area at an estimated overall cost of over €17 million.
My Department approved Clare County Council’s Preliminary Report for the Kilrush and Kilkee Sewerage Scheme in July 2011, subject to the Council submitting an updated Public Private Partnership report outlining the recommended method of procurement for the proposed works and the sequencing of the different contracts and their associated priority which make up the scheme. This report was approved by my Department in August 2013 following the submission by Clare County Council of a revised Public Private Partnership report in April 2013. My approval of the Preliminary Report and revised Public Private Partnership allowed the Council to proceed with the preparation of Contract Documents for the Scheme.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. It is currently preparing a Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016 that will provide for the transition of projects included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. The further progression of all water services capital projects, including the Kilrush and Kilkee Sewerage Scheme, is now a matter for Irish Water.
My Department asked Irish Water to put in place specific arrangements to address the queries which public representatives may have in relation to matters pertaining to the operation of water services under the new utility. I understand that Irish Water has made contact with Oireachtas members to outline the arrangements for addressing such queries in a timely manner.
