Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 891: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available to implement the main sewage draining scheme for Arklow in view of the ongoing legal action regarding the location of the sewerage treatment plant for the town and further in view of the fact that there is no legal impediment to carrying out the main drainage element of the scheme, that is the installation of the north and south side interceptor sewers and the upgrading where necessary of the existing sewerage network to remove the combined surface and foul water sewers, and that inaction represents a health and safety issue for the community. [22751/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Arklow Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €15.9 million.

I understand that the unsuccessful applicant to the High Court for a judicial review of An Bord Pleanála's grant of approval for the proposed wastewater treatment plant has been given leave to appeal to the Supreme Court and has exercised that option. Further progress on this element of the scheme will depend on the outcome of these proceedings. In the interim, I understand that Wicklow County Council is taking legal advice on whether other elements of the scheme may be advanced, pending the Supreme Court's ruling. Any ensuing proposals to my Department will be given early consideration.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 892: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress he has made in rolling out the rural water programme; the amount of public money that has been spent on this programme since 2007; the water treatment schemes which have been provided with water treatment equipment and disinfection equipment; the cost of same; the water treatment schemes which have been taken over by local authorities or have been connected to mains water since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22810/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Expenditure of €130m was incurred by my Department on the Rural Water Programme in 2007. I have allocated block grants totalling €135m to County Councils for the 2008 Programme, of which €22.4m has been recouped by Councils to date. Responsibility for the operation of the Rural Water programme has been devolved to County Councils since 1997 and detailed information in relation to activity in each county may be obtained from individual Councils.