Lough Guitane regional water scheme
The Minister said the Central Kerry scheme had been approved and tenders for its first contract could be sought, while other contract documents remained under examination. Begley pressed him on delays and funding; the Minister denied that either the council or Department was holding up progress and said the scheme was proceeding.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he has allocated any money for Lough Guitane water scheme, County Kerry.
Comment on this
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Central Kerry Regional Water Scheme which is based on Lough Guitane. Kerry County Council submitted preliminary proposals for the Central Kerry Regional Water Supply Scheme on 20 April 1979. The proposed scheme comprised six separate contracts. The Department conveyed approval to the proposals to the council on 25 June 1979 and requested submission of contract documents for contracts Nos. 1-5 of the proposed scheme.
I approved the seeking of tenders for contract No. 1 on 23 March 1981. The question of loan finance will not arise until the recommended tenders are submitted to my Department and approved by me. Contract documents for Contract No. 3 were received by my Department on 19 February 1981 and are under examination. I have also approved contract documents, a tender and a loan of £100,000 for contract 6A, Tralee Ring Main, which is urgently required to serve, inter alia, the new County Hospital in Tralee. The submission of contract documents for contracts 2, 4 and 5 is awaited.
Comment on this
Do I gather that there is a delay on the part of Kerry County Council in submitting this?
Comment on this
Do I gather that there is a delay in the Minister's Department in providing the money to go ahead with the necessary contracts?
Comment on this
I have been following it. The council submitted contract documents in February and the Department are still looking at them.