The Lough Talt water supply scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 as a scheme to commence construction this year at an estimated cost of €1.8 million. A preliminary report for the scheme submitted by Sligo County Council was incomplete in a number of respects and could not be approved by my Department. In addition, the appointment of the consultant who prepared the report did not comply with standard procurement procedures. Accordingly, in October 2004, my Department requested the county council to submit a brief for the appointment of a consultant to produce a revised preliminary report. The brief is awaited by my Department.