Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I am taking this issue for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, who apologises for not being able to be here. I am aware this issue is causing a great deal of concern in the part of Dublin Deputy Ryan represents.

The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study, published in 2005, analysed the existing drainage system in the greater Dublin area and proposed policies, strategies and projects for developing the drainage system to meet the development needs and anticipated population growth of the area for the period to 2031. This study was undertaken by Dublin City Council on behalf of the other local authorities in the area.

This study took account of the needs of the greater Dublin area, including parts of Meath and Kildare. The study took account of the needs which would be met from the proposed new wastewater treatment plants in Shanganagh, Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown and at Portrane in Fingal. Both these plants are nearing completion, with funding being provided under the water services investment programme for 2010-12.

The study examined eight possible solutions for new treatment capacity for the entire Dublin region but six were ruled out due to technical, social, economic or environmental constraints. The recommendations therefore were for capital works estimated at €2.3 billion involving an upgrade of Ringsend wastewater treatment plant to its full design capacity; a new wastewater treatment plant in North Dublin which the study referred to located in Portrane; and an orbital sewer and a series of trunk sewers.

Fingal County Council subsequently decided that certain aspects of the GDSDS should be subjected to a strategic environmental assessment. The SEA assessed 16 strategic drainage options for the greater Dublin area and involved a public consultation phase. The recommended strategy arising from the SEA is that a new regional wastewater treatment plant be built in the northern greater Dublin area and that the outfall should be located along the north Dublin coastline following a detailed site selection process. The location of the new plant is to be determined based on the site selection criteria set out in the environmental report of the SEA.

Fingal County Council has now engaged consultants to prepare a preliminary report for the scheme, including the site selection process. The council is currently engaging in an non-statutory public consultation on the site selection process, with consultation period due to draw to a close next week, on 18 November.

The Minister's main role in water services projects is to provide capital funding for the work through the Department's water services investment programme and he may in the future have a statutory role should there be a requirement for a foreshore licence for a project. It would therefore be inappropriate for him to engage in discussions which might prejudice his statutory role.

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