Mr. Sean Laffey:

Raw sewage going anywhere is completely unacceptable. I certainly agree with this. Newport is a case in point. When we first examined Newport, we understood that the current outfall, which goes out into the bay, would be suitable for an enhanced plant. We then carried out studies on the receiving waters that I have mentioned. They showed the existing outfall was not adequate. It did not bring the discharge far enough out into the bay to ensure it did not have an impact. As a result, we have to do some surveys on the bed of the bay and for this we need a foreshore licence. This is causing the delay at present.