Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 560: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve the preliminary report for a scheme (details supplied) and take into account the water needs assessment report adopted by Cork County Council on the 14 December 2009 and the codicil added to that report by unanimous decision of the members that the scheme should be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4694/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is finalising its assessment of Cork County Council's Preliminary Report for the Courtmacsherry / Timoleague Sewerage Scheme, which was included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009. A decision on the preliminary report for this scheme will be notified to the Council as soon as possible in the light of the finalisation of the Water Services Investment Programme for 2010 to 2012.

Local Authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services 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.