Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

Ceisteanna (416)

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

450 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 188 of 27 February 2008 and 189 of 25 June 2009, the progress made on implementing the project of the Courtmacsherry and Timoleague sewage scheme; the communications between his Department and Cork County Council; if there are further requirements and conditions which need to be met for him to provide funding for this project; the expected starting date for the construction; the expected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43213/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

My Department is finalising its assessment of Cork County Council's design proposals for the Courtmacsherry/Timoleague Sewerage Scheme, which is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007–2009. A decision on those proposals will be notified to the Council as soon as possible.

The advancement of the Courtmacsherry/Timoleague Sewerage Scheme is also subject to the outcome of the Council's current assessment of needs for water and sewerage services in its area. Last July, local authorities, including Cork County Council, were asked to submit their assessments of needs to my Department by 23 October last. Cork County Council will shortly submit its assessment return to my Department.

My Department has just begun its consideration of these assessments, which will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. The 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme should be published in early 2010.

Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 427.

Question No. 452 answered with Question No. 81.