I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.
A scheme to extend the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply to Louisburgh and a scheme to extend the supply from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant in Tourmakeady are included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at estimated costs of €6.3m and €21.3m respectively. My Department, following discussions with Mayo County Council, is examining the Council's latest tender proposal, received in October 2009, to advance the extension from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant at Tourmakeady. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible. My Department is awaiting the Council's tender proposals to advance the extension to Louisburgh.
Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department is currently considering these assessments, which 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. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.