The Laois Grouped Towns Sewerage Scheme was included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. The planning phase of this scheme has progressed during this period and my Department is currently awaiting proposals from the Council in relation to the DBO Contract. The Contract Documents for the Network contract have been submitted to my Department for examination.
Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. 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. I expect to publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 early this year.