Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. When I raised this matter on 14 October 2004, I did not receive a very optimistic response. I was disappointed as the Shannon Estuary water supply scheme was intended to include many areas including Loughhill, Ballyhahill and Glin and parts of Shanagolden, which is a very wide area and would represent an extension of the existing scheme. Many group schemes and wells are included in that area. It is hoped that the scheme would be extended to embrace those areas.

In 2003 the local authority, in submitting its assessment of needs to the Department, placed a high priority on this scheme, which was ranked fifth. When I presented the case to the Minister in October 2004, while he was sympathetic he could not indicate what the position was at that stage. Apparently it would not have been included in the 2004 to 2006 water schemes. However, the Minister indicated he would take into consideration what I had said and reconsider the case. I have allowed a considerable period to elapse on the basis that the Department could give a firmer indication of the status of the scheme. When is it likely to be included in the water services programme?

Perhaps the Minister of State might also adumbrate a timeframe for it.