175 Mr. B. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding the proposal to link the sewerage system in Ashbourne, County Meath, to Dublin County Council's system at Mulhuddart; if final agreement has been reached with Meath County Council and Dublin County Council; if he has approved the detailed proposals; the projected cost; when he will sanction the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The preliminary report for the Ashbourne sewerage scheme which is estimated to cost in excess of £3 million has been submitted by Meath County Council and is being considered in my Department. Having regard to the existing level of commitments under the Water and Sanitary Services Programme, I am not in a position to indicate when a decision may be made.

I understand from Meath County Council that agreement in principle has been reached with Dublin County Council for the necessary connection to the Dublin drainage system.