109 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment when the extension of the Abbeyleix sewerage system (details supplied) to the Portlaoise Road, Abbeyleix, County Laois, will be provided in view of the fact that over the last 20 years, 12 new houses have been built in the area, making a total of 28 houses, and all of these houses are currently using their own septic tanks and are posing a threat to health and the environment. [11223/97]

A brief for this scheme has 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 it.

110 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment the reason a project (details supplied) in County Galway has not been sanctioned to date; when this will be done; the amount allocated in this regard in 1997; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11274/97]

As already announced, responsibility for the administration of the group schemes programme has been devolved to the local authorities, subject to existing commitments on foot of approvals issued by my Department. Where schemes have not yet been approved, including the Kilclooney scheme, it will in future be a matter for the local authorities to decide on grant allocations.