This scheme is included in the water services investment programme and was approved to advance through planning during 1999. I understand contract documents for the scheme are being finalised by Waterford County Council for submission to my Department. On receipt the Department will ensure they are approved as quickly as possible.
Delays in progressing the scheme arose in the first instance in relation to foreshore licensing requirements. This in turn led to a review of the scheme to take account of, inter alia, the EU urban waste water treatment directive that had come into force since the original proposals were drawn up and to address additional capacity requirements emanating from the Waterford county development plan.
At this point, all outstanding issues have been addressed and it is hoped the local authority will be in a position to invite tenders for the collection system before the end of the year and for the treatment plant next year. Construction is expected to begin in late 2000 or early 2001, with completion by early 2002.