Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 487: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme; the further position regarding the Shrah to Westport extension and the extension from Westport to Louisburgh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3118/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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 were 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 is currently examining Mayo County 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 in the light of the finalisation of the Water Services Investment Programme for 2010 to 2012.

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 in their areas to my Department by 23 October 2009. 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. I expect to publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 early this year.