Vol. 522 No. 4
11 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the delay in introducing the proposed new sewerage scheme at Tramore, County Waterford; and when he expects this to become operable. [18796/00]
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.
Will the Minister allow the application to go to tender once the documentation has been received from the county council?
Yes, I have already indicated it is in the programme and there will be no delay.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
