James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to advance water service schemes in County Westmeath which with the exception of Coosan-Ballykeran scheme, which is under construction and Athlone waste water at the consultative stage are being denied advancement due to funding constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20029/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department approves capital funding for water services infrastructure through the Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes.

In the case of the Water Services Investment Programme, major schemes in each water services authority area have been undertaken for a number of years now on the basis of 3 year rolling capital programmes, the latest of which – Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 - is available in the Oireachtas Library.

The length of time taken for schemes included in the Programme to advance to completion of construction largely depends on the nature and complexity of the scheme and the statutory processes involved. My Department is involved at key stages in the development of schemes to ensure compliance with obligations relating to management and oversight of Exchequer expenditure. Water Services Authorities have a range of responsibilities in relation to the detailed progression of schemes, including issues such as statutory planning and other processes (including public consultation and approval of elected members), site investigations, acquisition of lands and wayleaves, preparation of tender documents, tendering process, appointment of contractors and carrying out of works. Water Services Authorities have also to take account of the specific funding parameters for servicing the domestic sector, particularly in relation to the extent and scale of collection systems and the capacity at treatment plants. The time taken to advance a scheme will depend largely on these considerations and how quickly these processes are completed.

Funding of schemes is organised on the basis of approved budgets for the planning and procurement/construction stages of schemes. Eligible expenditure within these budgets is claimed from my Department as schemes progress. With the exception of claims in respect of completed works, which require a more detailed appraisal of the costs involved, all claims for payment currently on hands from Westmeath County Council have been processed and will be paid shortly.

In addition to schemes under the Water Services Investment Programme, water services authorities can fund works under the devolved Rural Water Programme, for which my Department allocates annual block grants. The 2009 allocation to Westmeath County Council is €1.56 million.