asked the Minister for Local Government when the work of providing a sewerage scheme for Newport, County Mayo, will be started.

I am not in a position to say when work on this scheme will commence. Amended contract documents, which became necessary due to alteration in the site for the septic tank, have been received and are under consideration in my Department.

Can the Minister say how long that consideration will take?

I cannot give that off-hand but I could inform the Deputy later.

Is the Minister aware that the people in Newport have been awaiting that scheme for many years, and that they are very disappointed with the lack of progress in regard to the whole scheme?

I am fully aware of their wish to have it, yes.