Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the capital projects which will proceed to contract in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow in 2009; the commencement date in each case; the level of funding in respect of each project under the water services programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27850/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Details of all major water and sewerage schemes included for funding by my Department in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Additional information in relation to progress on individual contracts under this Programme, or in relation to activity generally under the small public schemes measure of the devolved Rural Water Programme, may be obtained from the relevant local authorities.

A provision of €500 million is available for the Programme for 2009, which is a 1% increase on the record outturn on the Programme for last year. I expect that the available resources will allow up to 50 major new water and wastewater schemes to commence this year, some of which have already started. My Department will prioritise the remaining schemes yet to start, having regard to both environmental and economic objectives i.e. schemes required to meet National and EU environmental standards in relation to drinking water and wastewater disposal, European Court of Justice cases and works that will support economic development.