178 Mr. Mulvihill asked the Minister for the Environment when approval will be given for the second stage of the Midleton sewerage scheme, County Cork, and the treatment plant; if the annual running costs of the treatment plant will be met from EU funding or from the national Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6035/96]

A revised application for assistance from the Cohesion Fund towards the capital costs of this project is being prepared by my Department. Operating costs of water and wastewater infrastructure are the responsibility of the local authority concerned.