Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach. I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Minister for taking this matter for discussion. In Mullingar we have a serious problem in that the sewerage network and plant are at capacity and certain parts of the treatment network are unable to take any more. As a result, planning applications are being refused. Two local authority engineers, members of our own staff, are trying to do their best within the constraints under which they have to operate, given the nature of the problem, to ascertain the degree of development that can be supported. The channel of the Brosna, which flows through the town, also needs to be dealt with. In the past we have had serious flooding in Mullingar due to the inadequacy of the channel in terms of taking surface water.

A preliminary report has been produced by JB Barry and Partners, consulting engineers, and presented to the council. It points out various development constraints in the sewerage network and the sewage treatment plant. Although I am being parochial, I am delighted that Mullingar and Athlone have been selected as gateway towns in the national spatial strategy. If we are to develop in the manner envisaged it will be necessary, as a matter of urgency, to provide the necessary upgrading to the sewerage network and treatment plant as well as dealing with the Brosna channel.