Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding for schemes (details supplied) in County Cork in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6522/11]

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of funding for a sewage and drainage scheme for Bandon in west Cork following ongoing flooding problems in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6637/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 266 together. The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Cork. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €231 million in the county during the period of the programme.

Contracts for both a wastewater treatment plant upgrade and network for the Bandon Sewerage Scheme Phase 2 are included as contracts to start over the life of the programme at an estimated total cost of €13 million.

In February 2011, Cork County Council submitted a Design Brief for the appointment of Consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant. Following examination of this submission my Department has recently advised the Council of amendments required to the brief. It is now a matter for the Council to submit a revised brief to my Department.

My Department is also currently awaiting the submission by the Council of revised Contract Documents for the network element of the scheme. Certain flood relief infrastructure is included in the scope of work proposed. This work involves the provision of storm sewerage pipework and two storm relief pumping stations. Proposals for a flood relief scheme would be a matter for my colleague, Mr. Brian Hayes, T.D., Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Public Service Reform.

Contracts for both a wastewater treatment plant (Design Build Operate) and network for Youghal Sewerage Scheme are also included among the contracts to start during the life of the 2010 – 2012 Water Services Investment Programme at an estimated total cost of €18 million. Cork County Council has submitted contract documents to my Department for both the wastewater treatment plant and network contracts and this documentation is currently under examination. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.