Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I hope that, when the Minister of State replies, he will not refer to land initiative programmes in the area of Doneraile. The estimated cost of the sewer length is €173,340 excluding VAT and the proposed turnpike at the Skaghardgannon extension would collect sewage from 15 houses. The Doneraile sewerage scheme has not been completed. The residents in the Skaghardgannon area recently received a letter from the environmental department of Cork County Council, stating that incidents of pollution had occurred in the area. The problem arises from the failure of the county council to provide a drain, which it was to have done at an earlier stage. That is creating a serious problem for the residents.

Given that the general main scheme is not completed, now is the time for the Minister to grant permission. Two areas, Turnpike and Skaghardgannon, are involved. I refer solely to Skaghardgannon. I received correspondence from a former Minister who stated a decision to include Skaghardgannon in the Turnpike cross sewer extension of the Doneraile sewerage scheme is ultimately a matter for Cork County Council. It is not. The main scheme and the various links made in the Doneraile area were done by the Department, and Skaghardgannon should be included. I hope the Minister of State will be positive in his reply.

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