Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Minister of State to outline the current situation regarding the major regional water scheme for the Dunmanway area. My understanding is that the scheme was to be progressed to actual construction under the 2006-2009 programme. My information from the local authority, however, is that the matter is currently with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It is a matter for him at this stage. I understand no further assessment is required as this scheme has been proven, beyond yea or nay, to be necessary. It has hampered development in the greater Dunmanway area, so I hope the Minister of State will have positive news concerning the progression of the scheme this year. I hope that will be the outcome of my request to him.

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Senator for this opportunity to clarify the position concerning the Dunmanway regional water supply scheme. The objective of the scheme, which was included in the 2007-2009 water services investment programme, is to improve the existing water supply in Dunmanway and provide for future capacity. The council has already addressed some of the supply problems in Dunmanway through repair work to a raw water supply pipe from the existing source to the existing plant.

It is proposed that the new supply would also provide water to areas at the western edges of Clonakilty which are currently fed from the Clonakilty water supply scheme. This would reduce demand on the existing Clonakilty plant with benefits from a security of supply perspective for the remainder of the Clonakilty area. The scheme has advanced through some of the planning phases and my Department now awaits the submission by Cork County Council of revised contract documents. I understand that the latest revised estimate of cost is now of the order of €11.6 million.

The priority to be accorded to schemes in County Cork is a matter in the first instance for Cork County Council. Last July, local authorities were asked to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services in their areas to my Department by 23 October 2009. My Department is now finalising its consideration of these assessments which have formed a key input to the development of the 2010-2012 water services investment programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. The 2010 to 2012 programme will be a three-year rolling plan for the provision of major water supply and waste water infrastructure. Strategic environmental and economic objectives have provided the rationale for investment in water services infrastructure since 2000.

With the changed economic climate and the completion of the first cycle of river basin management plans by local authorities in the near future, there is a greater need than ever to focus on these key priorities. The 2010-2012 programme will do this by prioritising projects that target public health and environmental compliance issues, support economic and employment growth, and offer best value for money. It is anticipated the 2010-2012 water services investment programme will be published in the coming weeks and my Department will work in close liaison with Cork County Council to advance priority schemes identified in the programme.