Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 367: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from a group (details supplied); the position regarding the reaction and response he propose to make to the suggestions contained therein with regard to the appointment of consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16840/09]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 369: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a sewerage scheme for Oughterard, County Galway; the timescale involved in the current stage and subsequent stages of the process; when it is expected that work will commence on this sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16213/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 369 together.

The Oughterard Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009.

Earlier this month, I gave approval to Galway County Council to make arrangements for the short-listing and appointment of consultants for the scheme on foot of the revised brief submitted by the Council to the Department in February 2009.

The first task of the consultants when appointed will be to prepare a Design Review Report so as to ensure that the most suitable and effective scheme is put forward. Successful completion of this task will lead to the preparation of the Contract Documents, which will be used to invite bids for the construction of the scheme.

The correspondence received from the group referred to is being examined and a response will issue to them as soon as possible.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in relation to the planning contribution scheme, all local authorities charge house holders for connections to mains water, even if such a connection is not used by the householder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16144/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Planning and Development Act 2000 introduced changes to the operation of the development contributions system, including the introduction of a statutory requirement that such contributions may now be levied only in accordance with a development contribution scheme drawn up by the planning authority and approved by the elected members following a public consultation process.

Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of, the local authority that benefit development in the area, including recreational facilities, public transport facilities and water facilities, including water and waste-water treatment facilities, drains and watermains and any matters ancillary to these.

The adoption of development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members of each planning authority. It is a matter for the members to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply. Details of individual development contribution schemes are available directly from each planning authority.