James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State is probably aware that there are huge shortfalls in funding to various local authorities throughout the country. Nine sewerage schemes for County Longford which have been approved are waiting for funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It is a small county with a population of just 31,000 people. A further six or seven schemes have been delayed at the planning stage. Approximately six towns and villages in County Longford have sewerage services. It is evident that there is a significant shortfall in funding. How will the schemes be funded? The proposed schemes at Ardagh, Abbeylara and Ballinalee were approved six years ago, but we are still waiting for funding for their construction. The example I have given relates to a small county, but it is typical of many local authority areas throughout the country.