Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 569: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the proposed sewerage scheme in Skibbereen, County Cork; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26348/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Skibbereen Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in the current year.

I understand that Cork County Council is currently assessing the tenders received for the upgrade of the town's sewage collection system and expects to be in a position shortly to award this contract, with a view to work starting before the end of the year. Under devolved procedures, Departmental approval of the Council's recommended tender is not required in this case provided the Council proposes to accept the most economically advantageous tender and the tender sum is within 10% of my Department's approved construction stage budget for the scheme.

The new wastewater treatment plant for Skibbereen is grouped with other wastewater treatment plants at Baltimore, Dunmanway and Schull under a single contract, for procurement purposes. The Council's revised contract documents for this project are currently under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once approved, the Council will be in a position to seek tenders for the project.