Ciarán Cannon (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, for his reply. It is my understanding that Galway County Council is at an advanced stage of planning for this scheme, as indicated in its assessment of needs where it sets out that the timeframe for delivery is 2010. The council has submitted all documentation and information required by the Department. The officials in Galway County Council have informed me that it will be ready to go to tender on this scheme by end of this year, yet Loughrea water scheme is not included on the Department's list of schemes to go to construction during the next three years. Not alone was this scheme included on the 2009 list but former Minister of State, Michael Kitt, was told in this Chamber in 2004 that it was intended to commence construction at an estimated cost of €35 million. I do not understand how, six year's later, we are still at planning stage.

When Galway County Council indicates to me that it is ready to go to tender, I will be seeking to have this scheme returned to the Department's list of schemes to go to construction.

The Seanad adjourned at 2.20 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 April 2010.