Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Ballina sewerage scheme, Ballina, County Mayo will commence sooner rather than later; if it will be completed without delays; when the polluter pays report will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26053/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Ballina main drainage scheme is approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme for 2004 to 2006. In July 2005, I approved Mayo County Council's tender recommendations in respect of upgrading the treatment plant and the expansion and improvement of the sewage collection system. It is now a matter for the council to make arrangements for the commencement of the works with the successful tenderers.

A revised report, Water Services Pricing Policy (Polluter Pays), was received by my Department from the council earlier this month and is under examination. In common with all schemes funded under the water services investment programme, the objective is to identify the proportion of the capital cost of the Ballina scheme that should be met by the non-domestic sector in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The water services pricing policy report is being dealt with as quickly as possible and my Department will advise the council of the outcome of its examination shortly.