Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Both Senator Brennan and I attended a meeting in Kilmallock last Monday, organised by the Kilmallock Association of Trade and Commerce. At that meeting the members of the association outlined their frustration at the ongoing delay in the start of the much-needed Kilmallock sewerage scheme. Their frustration is justified because of the conflicting information received from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as to the proposed start-up date. On 31 July 2003 the then Minister, Deputy Cullen, indicated that the scheme would commence in 2004. There was understandable disappointment that the target date was not achieved. Recently, the current Minister, Deputy Roche, indicated that the scheme would commence in 2005 and that he would monitor developments to ensure that this will happen.

I ask the Minister how sustainable this projected date is, given that Limerick County Council's brief was received by his Department on 24 January 2005. Why is it taking so long? It is now over four months since his Department received the required information. How long will it take the Department to complete the process? We must bear in mind that when the Department approves the brief, Limerick County Council will have to prepare contract documents and submit them to the Department for approval. Does the Minister believe that the target commencement date of 2005 will be achieved?

The people of Kilmallock are upset over the long delay in the commencement of the scheme. Can the Minister give a realistic date as to when the scheme will start? The people of Kilmallock deserve to know because it is very important for the development of their town. The existing sewerage scheme is over 50 years old and because of its inadequacies, growth in the town is being stifled. There are developers who want to build in Kilmallock but there is genuine concern that the town will not grow to its full potential unless this much needed sewerage development, costing more than €9, proceeds soon. I look forward to the Minister's reply.