Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, having due regard to the potential negative effects a large waste water treatment plant can have on surrounding environments, he will consider alternative proposals to the greater Dublin drainage project, including the option for a number of smaller facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33338/11]

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.

Fingal County Council has appointed a consultant to prepare a Preliminary Report and Environmental Impact Assessment for the scheme. The identification of potential locations for the regional wastewater treatment plant is an important step in this process. A report entitled Alternative Site Investigation Phase 1 - Preliminary Screening Outcomes Report was published by the Council in October 2011. A six week consultation process on this report will draw to a close on 18 November 2011. 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.