Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue and the Minister of State for coming to reply. For many years the town of Kinvara has been in need of a sewerage scheme which comes within the small schemes projects. I hope we can get approval and funding for the scheme. The people of Kinvara have waited many years for such a scheme. While the town is a tourist area, tourism cannot develop in the absence of a sewerage scheme. We would also like to see the development of the oyster and mussel farms. It is hard to envisage housing development while no sewerage scheme exists. In the summer there is the problem of stench from the bay. Given the length of time it has taken to have a decision made on the scheme, people are concerned it will never happen.

Recently the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, was in Gort and met a community group from Kinvara who were anxious to have a decision. I hope the Department can make the decision quickly. I would appreciate it if approval were given so that work could begin as soon as possible.