Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Group water schemes contribute less than 10% of the country's water supply. Problems have been recorded with the quality of water from some such schemes although I acknowledge that major improvements continue to be made in this regard. It must also be acknowledged that the voluntary group schemes have played a significant role in rural areas and I hope the new licensing system will assist in their development and address the water quality issues in that sector.

The Minister will be aware that raw sewage is entering rivers and seas in all areas, which is a disgrace in this day and age. When is it envisaged that we will have sufficient waste water treatment plants to prevent raw sewage entering the waterways?

All politics are local and I am particularly interested in Waterford which is the Minister's constituency. The current situation there cannot be allowed to continue for much longer. The city council is still awaiting approval to proceed with work on two interceptor sewers for neighbourhoods Nos. 1 and 2 in the city. While early approval is expected, I ask the Minister to indicate when approval will finally be granted for this work which is necessary to pave the way for the waste water treatment plant, a vital piece of infrastructure. It has been stated that the waste water plant will be in operation by 2006. The Minister will be aware of the ongoing problems in Tramore, one of our premier tourist resorts. I ask the Minister to indicate the start and completion dates for the treatment plant in Tramore.