Substantial funding towards local authorities’ water conservation programmes is being provided under my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. Watermains rehabilitation is a key priority under the Programme which includes the Kerry Watermains Rehabilitation Project valued at €18.79 million. As part of this project, I recently approved funding of €2.65 million for countywide rehabilitation works which included works to be carried out by direct labour in the Killorglin area. In addition, my Department recently approved a Procurement/Construction Stage Budget for mains rehabilitation works in mid and south Kerry, including work in the Killorglin, Beaufort and Milltown areas. The approval allows the Council to prepare contract documents for the proposed works.