Vol. 576 No. 5
424 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will cover the domestic element of the operational cost of waste water treatment plants; and if he will be doing so for 2004 and beyond. [29917/03]
The Government's water services pricing policy framework requires that the costs of providing water services to non-domestic users be met by those customers by means of a meter based volumetric charge and that the associated domestic costs be met in a transparent way from the local government fund. This policy is being progressively implemented in the period to 2006. In determining general purpose grants by my Department from the local government fund, account is taken of the cost to local authorities of maintaining and operating domestic water services. These grants are about to be notified to authorities for 2004. Pending full implementation of the policy framework, I am providing targeted additional funding in 2004 to provide particular assistance to certain local authorities who are incurring operational costs as a consequence of the commissioning of new treatment plants.
425 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed sewerage scheme for Gweedore, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29952/03]
The Gweedore sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2003 – 2005 as a scheme to commence construction in 2004. A certificate of completion of planning is awaited from Donegal County Council to allow my Department to finalise its consideration of the contract documents for the scheme.
