Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he has responded to the reasoned opinion issued by the European Commission in September 2016 in respect of a waste water collection system for the Gaoth Dobhair agglomeration in County Donegal; the contents of this response including the remedial actions being considered to address this infringement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38091/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland responded to Reasoned Opinion 2013/2056 on 28 November 2016 based on material prepared by my Department. The Reasoned Opinion outlines alleged failures in relation to approximately 40 specified agglomerations with regard to urban waste water treatment and collection. The response fully addresses the issues raised by the Commission, in terms of overall progress in the delivery of urban waste water treatment and collection. It also provides detailed information on planned remedial works, including timeframes, at an agglomeration specific level.

In relation to Gaoth Dobhair, this is an extensive rural area where development of one-off housing has taken place at above normal levels. Properties are generally serviced by individual waste water treatment systems i.e. septic tanks or similar type arrangements.

My Department is currently working with both Irish Water and Donegal County Council to ensure that a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the collection and treatment of sewage is developed for Gaoth Dobhair.

I envisage that consultation with the local community on a proposed approach will begin in early 2017.