Vol. 543 No. 2
544 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans his Department has to establish a permanent solution for the water supply problems facing Moate, County Westmeath, and surrounding areas; the cost of the proposed scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26788/01]
The long-term water supply requirements of the areas concerned will be addressed under the south Westmeath regional water supply scheme. Stage 1 of the scheme, estimated to cost £9 million, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2000-2002 as a scheme to advance through planning. This stage will address the water supply requirements for Athlone and its immediate environs. The submission of a preliminary report by Westmeath County Council for this stage of the scheme is awaited by my Department.
Further stages of the scheme, estimated to cost over £14 million, which will service Moate, and in due course Tang, Glasson, Drumraney and other areas of south Westmeath, can only be progressed after stage 1 has been completed. These stages will, in due course, be considered for approval under future phases of the water services investment programme.
Question No. 545 answered with Question No. 119.
