487 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the provision of a drinkable water supply for Lettermore, County Galway, which currently takes its water from Lough Illiuntaisna which is an unsuitable supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29357/10]

The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Galway. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €130 million in the county during the period of the Programme.

The Lettermore supply is part of the Costello Regional Water Supply Scheme which is included in the Programme amongst the list of contracts in the county to start in the period 2010-2012. The Council is currently advancing the detailed planning of the Costello scheme. In advance of these major works, my Department approved funding of €432,000 last March to allow Galway County Council to upgrade the Lettermore water treatment plant to improve quality of supply. I understand that Galway County Council has signed the contract to upgrade the Lettermore plant and that work is expected to commence later this year. Further information on progress with this contract may be had from the Council.