Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 570: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Arklow sewerage scheme; when he expects that it will go to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23437/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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 Wicklow. Three contracts under the Arklow Sewerage Scheme are included in the Programme amongst the list of contracts in the county to start in the period 2010 – 2012.

The major contract relates to the proposed wastewater treatment plant. The unsuccessful applicant to the High Court for a judicial review of An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant approval for the wastewater treatment plant was given leave to appeal to the Supreme Court and exercised that option. The hearing was held in December 2009 and the Supreme Court issued its decision in July 2011. The Court dismissed the appeal.

Following from the Supreme Court decision, Wicklow County Council must complete the planning for the scheme and is preparing a programme for its delivery within the earliest possible timeframe.