Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 887: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Clifden sewage treatment plant County Galway in view of the fact that the plant is non-functional and untreated waste is being discharged into Clifden Bay; if he will offer assurances that these planned improvements will not be reduced or eliminated, and, in further view of the potential impact on tourism and the region, if he will indicate if he is willing to recommend fast-tracking this project through his Department's approval system. [11854/09]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 888: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on the unification of the Clifden water supply County Galway, into a fully treated system, in view of the fact that the supply is composed of two sources, one treated, and one untreated; if he will offer assurances that the planned improvements included in the water services investment programme 2007-2009 will not be reduced or eliminated, and, further in view of the potential impact of a boil water notice on tourism and the region, he will indicate if he is willing to recommend fast-tracking this project through his Department's approval system. [11855/09]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 890: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of an integrated water supply scheme for Clifden, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12056/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 887, 888 and 890 together.

The Clifden Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009. My Department is awaiting submission of Galway County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme.

The Clifden Regional Water Supply Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009. My Department is finalising its examination of Galway County Council's Supplementary Report to the Preliminary Report, which sets out the Council's proposals for a new supply for the area, and a decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.

The continued high level of capital investment in the water services sector in recent years, involving Exchequer expenditure of €4.15 billion in the period 2000-2008, is a clear statement of the priority assigned by Government to the preservation and protection of our water resources, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to providing critical new water and wastewater infrastructure. Continued investment in water services in 2009 and future years will facilitate the progression of priority water services schemes.