Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera, to the House. I wish to ask about the current situation on the Patrickswell-Adare sewerage scheme. I acknowledge the immense investment by the Government through the Water Services Investment Programme 2004-06. We have seen major developments in Limerick city regarding the main drainage scheme, from whose treatment works the Patrickswell-Adare scheme will benefit under the programme for 2004 to 2006, scheduled for commencement in 2005. I understand that great delays have been caused by Limerick County Council and the Department through their appointment of consultants to move the scheme forward regarding the agreement of a fee proposal. While Limerick County Council has approved development plans for Patrickswell and Adare, it is vitally important that the scheme come on stream on time. For that to happen, it is very important that the clearance to go to tender be given very soon. I ask the Minister to take into consideration the importance of such services to allow the towns in question to achieve their full potential over the next five years.