Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the proposal to improve the treatment works at Tourmakeady, County Mayo for the Lough Mask regional water scheme supplying Castlebar; the estimated cost at current prices of the upgrading of the treatment works; if he will indicate if a contractor has been appointed; if he will further indicate when it is expected that work will commence on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48187/09]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the provision of water under the Lough Mask regional water scheme, to supply and provide for water from Shrah to Louisburgh including Westport, County Mayo; if he will indicate the estimated cost of this proposal; if he will indicate if Mayo County Council has supplied all the necessary responses required; when it is proposed to appoint a contractor; when he expects work to commence on this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48188/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.

A scheme to extend the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply to Louisburgh and a scheme to extend the supply from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant in Tourmakeady are included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 at estimated costs of €6.3m and €21.3m respectively. My Department, following discussions with Mayo County Council, is examining the Council's latest tender proposal, received in October 2009, to advance the extension from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant at Tourmakeady. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible. My Department is awaiting the Council's tender proposals to advance the extension to Louisburgh.

Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department is currently considering these assessments, which 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.