Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 May 2014
146. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will take steps in the forthcoming capital programme and in conjunction with An Bord Uisce, to include the necessary expansion and upgrading of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Westmeath as same is urgently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20558/14]
View answerThe Kilbeggan Sewerage Scheme Phase 1 was included in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 as a ‘Contract to Start’ during the period of the Programme. On 22 May 2008, my Department issued approval to the Preliminary Report to Westmeath County Council with eligible costs amounting to €5.48 million. The next step was for Westmeath County Council to draw up the contract documents with a view to advancing the scheme to tender stage as quickly as possible.
The Department received correspondence from Westmeath County Council in September 2012 stating that the major scheme, as envisaged in the approved Preliminary Report, would not be proceeding given the downturn in the economic climate and the limited funding available to the Council. However, in order to cater for the current and future demands in Kilbeggan and in particular to meet the discharge standards of the EPA wastewater discharge licence, some immediate minor works were required to replace or upgrade elements of the Kilbeggan Waste Water Treatment Plant. These advance works commenced in 2013 at an approved cost of €467,664.
From 1st January 2014 Irish Water has responsibility for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. It is currently preparing a Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016. The further progression of all water services capital projects is now a matter for Irish Water. Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
