Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his clarification.

Mountmellick sewerage scheme, phases 2 and 3, is listed in the current water services investment programme 2010–13 as a scheme to progress through planning. The scheme aims to improve the wastewater infrastructure to meet the needs of existing development within the town. Phase 2 will involve the upgrade and expansion of the existing collection network and treatment facilities, while phase 3 will look to the long-term ultimate development of Mountmellick, including a new sewage collection system to serve undeveloped areas within the town boundaries.

An Bórd Pleanála granted conditional planning permission for the scheme in May 2012. A preliminary report has been submitted to my Department for the scheme and is under review. The council is reviewing certain areas within the town boundaries with regard to properties served by septic tanks. In addition, an application for a wastewater discharge licence has been made to the Environmental Protection Agency. The outcome of the council’s review and the decision on the application for a wastewater discharge licence will feed into the assessment of the preliminary report.

From 1 January 2014, Irish Water will be responsible for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. Accordingly, it is preparing a capital investment plan for the period 2014 to 2015 which will provide for the transition of projects included in the water services investment programme 2010-13.

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