asked the Minister for the Environment the up-to-date position regarding the Lough Easkey regional water scheme, County Sligo and when this scheme will commence.

Contract documents for the civil works for this scheme have not as yet been submitted to my Department. I understand that these have been prepared and are at present being examined by the Sligo County Council. Contract documents for the treatment works have been approved.

I am not in a position to say when work is likely to commence on the scheme.