Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue and the Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, for coming to the House. In the past I have raised the question of the sewerage scheme for Glenamaddy, County Galway. Glenamaddy is famous in song as the town that has the four roads. While many towns have four roads this one is famous because it made one of the great songs of the past. The people of Glenamaddy are anxious to see development in the town. They have a new community school sanctioned, the Department has in the past sanctioned money for water schemes in the area and it was recently announced that the CLÁR programme area has been extended to include Glenamaddy. Above all there is a need for industry, extra housing and development in the town and this cannot be done without an upgraded sewerage scheme.

The Minister has a programme from Galway County Council for the period 2005-07. It is an ambitious programme. Glenamaddy is on that list. Obviously, I would like to get a report from the Department given that there has been some development. In the past I was told that documentation was requested from Galway County Council by the Department. I tried to follow that up with the council but was told that the last queries made by the Department were answered by the council.

I thank the Minister for taking an interest. I hope he will take a further interest in upgrading the scheme and delivering good news for the people of Glenamaddy and the hinterland of north-east Galway.