Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the need for a regional waste water treatment plant as outlined in the greater Dublin strategic drainage study; and if he will mandate the local authorities to consider alternative methods of treatment. [13950/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS) analysed the existing drainage system in the Greater Dublin area and proposed policies, strategies and projects for developing this system to meet future needs. In relation to waste water treatment capacity, the study recommended that, in addition to the expansion of the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant, a future regional wastewater treatment plant should be constructed in the Portrane/Donabate area of Fingal. Fingal County Council decided that certain aspects of the GDSDS should first be subjected to a Strategic Environmental Assessment.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment assessed sixteen strategic drainage options for the Greater Dublin Area. I am therefore satisfied that, through this process, the issue of alternative options has been addressed.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment concluded that a new regional wastewater treatment plant should be built in the Northern Greater Dublin Area and that the outfall should be located along the North Dublin coastline following a detailed site selection process.

All of the local authorities accepted the outcome of the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Fingal County Council has appointed a consultant to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme, including a recommendation on the optimum location for the proposed treatment plant. The location of the new plant is to be determined based on the site selection criteria set out in the Environmental Report of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.

I understand that Fingal County Council has initiated a public consultation to ascertain what issues or concerns should be taken into account in determining the locations of the three elements of the Greater Dublin Drainage project (the new wastewater treatment works, a marine outfall and new drainage network in the northern part of the Greater Dublin Area). This early engagement is in addition to future statutory consultation in the context of the formal planning application process in respect of the new infrastructure.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a final decision will be made with regard to Kerry County Council funding contribution towards the Waterville water and sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13951/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 267 of 10 May 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.