Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Healy for his remarks and for raising the position regarding the Fethard regional water supply scheme. The scheme in question is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 as a contract to commence in the lifetime of the programme. As the Deputy noted, the Department is waiting for further information and tender documents from South Tipperary County Council. Once these documents have been received, it will be in a position to consider them.

The Part 8 planning process was successfully completed earlier this year. The site investigation process is ongoing and South Tipperary County Council proposes to commence the tender process for the contract for the water treatment plants in mid-2011. It is envisaged that the contract could be completed in early 2013, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals from the Department as the process advances.

In September 2010, my Department approved funding of €9 million to allow the council to carry out mains rehabilitation on the Fethard regional water supply scheme ahead of the main scheme. These works are to be carried out under the water conservation element of my Department's water services investment programme. South Tipperary County Council is preparing contract documents for these advance works. The council expects that it will be in a position to go to construction in mid-2012 and the contract could be completed in the third quarter of 2013. The works, when completed, will ensure a continuous water supply for the Fethard area.

My Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, sets out the plans for investment in major water supply projects. A comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure has been approved for South Tipperary County Council. The total value of contracts under way and those proposed for commencement in south Tipperary during the period of the programme is slightly more than €41 million.

It is important that the Fethard and Burncourt regional water supply scheme water treatment plants contract and mains rehabilitation works reach construction stage and are completed as quickly as possible. I undertake to give the matter priority when the documents are lodged with the Department.

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