Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the village sewerage scheme at Castlemaine, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41745/09]

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the village sewerage scheme at Brandon, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41746/09]

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the village sewerage scheme at Castlegregory, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41747/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 398 to 400, inclusive, together.

The NSS Hub Cluster Sewerage Scheme, which will provide improved wastewater infrastructure to nine villages including Castlemaine, is included in the Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 - 2009 at an estimated cost of €18 million. Kerry County Council's Preliminary Report for the Castlemaine Scheme is under examination in my Department. The Kerry Villages Sewerage Scheme Phase 1 is also included in the Programme at an estimated cost of €8.7 million and will provide improved wastewater infrastructure to fourteen villages including Brandon. My Department awaits the submission by Kerry County Council of the Preliminary Report for the Brandon scheme. Kerry County Council is undertaking a strategic study with a view to optimising the delivery of wastewater infrastructure in up to 90 towns and villages in the county, including Castlegregory. My Department will consider the Council's Preliminary Report for the Castlegregory Sewerage Scheme in the light of the study recommendations.

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.