88 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Environment the environmental and economic criteria the EU Commission applied to the Burren North Clare water services plan, which puts it in a lower priority category then other schemes. [4636/97]

Decisions by the European Commission on applications for cohesion co-financing for projects are governed by the provisions of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 792/93 of 30 March 1993 establishing a cohesion financial instrument and Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1164/94 of 16 May establishing the Cohesion Fund. Copies of these regulations are available in the Library.

89 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for the Environment when approval will be given for Monaghan town sewerage collection system. [4637/97]

A preliminary report has been submitted to my Department in this case. Given the high level of commitments under the water and sewerage programme, I cannot say when it may be possible to approve the proposal.

90 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Environment if he will extend the regional water scheme on the Erris Peninsula which has been with his Department since 1992, to facilitate a proper water supply to 60 homes to include a summer college to cover the areas of Barnagh and Lurgacloy group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4638/97]

I have approved the construction of an extension to the Erris regional water supply scheme to serve Bangor Erris and adjacent group schemes, costing an estimated £1.75 million. Having regard to the existing high level of commitments, I cannot say when it may be possible to approve further extensions of the Erris scheme to serve the other areas referred to.

91 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has for the design building ownership and operation of systems for sewage treatment; the way in which these plans will work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4692/97]

My Department has approved proposals for the provision of major sewage treatment plants at Ringsend, Dublin, and Osberstown, County Kildare, by way of design and build. In the case of Ringsend, Dublin Corporation is investigating the feasibility of introducing an operate option. It is also open to Kildare County Council to consider a similar option for Osberstown. In general, it is a matter for the relevant local authorities to examine the feasibility of a design, build and operate approach in the case of major proposed treatment plants. The private ownership of sewage treatment plants is not, however, in accordance with current policy.