Dáil Éireann - Volume 476 - 25 March, 1997

Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Scheme.

215. Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment the current status of an application by Cloncrave group water scheme, Killucan, County Westmeath; if he will expedite the transfer of this file from his Department to Westmeath [1659] County Council in order to allow all technical examinations to proceed as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin): A proposal has been received for a group water scheme at Cloncrave, Kinnegad, County Westmeath.

As already announced, responsibility for the administration of the group schemes programme is being devolved to the local authorities, subject to existing commitments on foot of approvals issued by my Department. Where schemes have not yet been approved, such as the Cloncrave scheme, it will in future be a matter for the local authorities to decide on grant applications. Arrangements are under way in my Department to forward to the relevant local authorities all files relating to schemes in planning.