Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I completely understand the Cathaoirleach's predicament and I thank him for allowing me speak so soon. Yesterday I wished to raise the issue of the Athlone main drainage and sewerage scheme. I had an Adjournment motion about this in February. The situation has been continuing for two years and we still have no response from Government. A sum of €15 million was allocated although the cost of the scheme will be €80 million. As Members will be aware, Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore are part of the national spatial strategy which requires that areas of sufficient scale and critical mass be built up. We cannot continue to build any more houses or have any further development in the Athlone area because the sewerage scheme is at its maximum. Raw sewage goes into the Shannon which is an appalling situation considering what has occurred nearby in County Galway. Our water will be contaminated. It is a scandal the Shannon is being polluted with raw sewage. I do not accept that this matter should be fudged and put on the back burner. It is now a critical situation. I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, come to the House and answer questions on the matter. It was not he who spoke to me when I put forward the motion originally. The sum of €80 million is required.