Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 224: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a new sewerage treatment plant (details supplied) in County Kildare; his views in relation to correspondence from an association which expresses concern in relation to the delays in regard to the need for the provision of a new plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20383/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Ballymore Eustace Wastewater Treatment Plant was included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 under the Services Land Initiative.

Last month, my Department, following a review of the Serviced Land Initiative in light of developments in the economy at large, and in the housing market in particular during 2008, and having regard to the oversupply of housing in some areas, informed all local authorities that the Initiative was being discontinued. All existing scheme approvals under the Initiative, for which contracts had not been signed or letters of intent had not issued, were withdrawn.

However, local authorities were also informed that where they are of the opinion that the continuation of a scheme is necessary for the proper development of an area, it is open to the relevant authority to make a case to the Department by 29 May 2009 for the scheme to progress. My Department will consider any case that Kildare County Council may make within the specified time limit in respect of this project.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 225: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the problems with the new permanent water treatment plant for the Ennis water supply, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20397/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 227: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to the development of the Ennis water augmentation scheme, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20399/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 227 together.

The Ennis Town Water Supply Treatment Scheme and the Ennis Town Water Supply Augmentation Scheme are both included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009. Clare County Council is monitoring the commissioning of the new water treatment plant to ensure its long-term reliability to consistently produce both the required quantity and quality of water. Overseeing the commissioning is the responsibility of the Council and I have no function in the matter.

Nevertheless, I understand from the Council that, with the exception of some fluoride results in the early weeks of operation, the quality of water produced by the new plant has consistently complied with required standards since operation started on 2 March but that there are issues related to quantity that are being pursued by the Council. I understand that the Council expect construction work on the Augmentation scheme to be completed in July 2009.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 226: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on the provision of the Ennis-Clarecastle main drainage scheme, County Clare; when it is planned that work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20398/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer to the reply to Question No. 308 of 7 April 2009. The position is unchanged.