48 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the natural development of Cheekpoint, County Waterford, is seriously hindered by the lack of a sewerage scheme; and if he will provide the necessary funds which Waterford County Council has been seeking for the past 20 years in this regard. [6368/97]

Contract documents for stage 1 of the Cheekpoint sewerage scheme have been submitted to my Department but, given the high level of commitments under the water and sewerage programme, I cannot say when it may be possible to approve them.