Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for permitting me to raise this matter and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne.

This is the second time in the past hour that I have mentioned the town of Glenamaddy. On the first occasion, I referred to the fact that Glenamaddy lost a bank in August. It may have done so but I hope it is about to gain a sewerage scheme.

The town of Glenamaddy is famous because the song "Four Roads to Glenamaddy" was written about it. The town has grown over the years, is the home of some good industrial interests and €7 million has been granted for the provision of a new community school there. In addition, there are many new housing developments in the town. It has, however, been badly affected by the fact that a sewerage scheme to improve facilities there has not been approved. I hope the Minister of State will be able to indicate that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or his Department will be making an announcement in this regard in the near future.

The most recent information I received from Galway County Council was that a preliminary report and a water pricing policy report had been forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The council also indicated that additional information was sought under the provisions of circular L1/06. I hope this information is now with the Department and that approval can be given for the scheme, which forms part of a bundle with other schemes. It is vital that this necessary sewerage scheme be put in place in Glenamaddy to allow further development in the town to proceed.

I hope the Minister of State can provide some information and I thank him for coming before the House to deal with this matter.