Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will be granted to proceed to contract for the Tullow waste water treatment plant in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40798/09]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will be sanctioned to build the Rathvilly waste water treatment plant in County Carlow. [40799/09]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be approved to construct the Carlow town north regional water supply scheme phase two and Carlow town water supply network. [40800/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 238, inclusive, together.

The Tullow/Hacketstown/Rathvilly Treatment Plants Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 at an estimated cost of €6 million. My Department awaits the submission of Carlow County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.

The Carlow North Regional Water Supply Scheme Stage 2 (Main Scheme) is also included in the Programme at an estimated cost of €33 million. This scheme involves the upgrade and expansion of water treatment plants at Rathvilly, Tullow, Sion Cross and Raheenleigh, the upgrade and provision of new distribution systems in the north of the County and a rising main which will augment the water supply for Carlow Town from the Rathvilly plant. The scheme will also involve the construction of new reservoirs at Rathvilly, Graiguenaspidogue and Brownshill near Carlow Town. The necessary works have already been carried out at the Sion Cross plant and Carlow County Council will shortly seek tenders to upgrade the Raheenleigh plant. My Department awaits the submission of the Council's contract documents for the remaining works under the Regional scheme.

Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department has commenced consideration of these assessments, which will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.