Fianna Fáil Donegal Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill has called on the Minister for the Environment to approve the next step of the much anticipated Gweedore Sewerage Scheme without further delay.

Senator Ó Domhnaill said: "The Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is long overdue and while much of the preparatory works have been carried out by the Council and Department, the Minister's approval is now required to move the scheme forward to complete contract documents.

"I have been constantly raising this issue with the current and previous Environment Minister and I now feel it is time the necessary approval is granted.

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"The Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is included in the Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2012-2013, as a scheme to start construction during the lifetime of the programme. The proposed scheme will comprise of one or two contracts, providing a treatment plant capable of dealing with effluent from a population equivalent of 4,550 and sewer network of approximately 21km serving the core areas of Dore, Bunbeg and Derrybeg and a 5.7km outfall. The estimated cost of this work is €11.4m.

"Donegal County Council has submitted the design report for the Scheme together with additional information to the Department so there is now no excuse for the Government to hold up the scheme any further.

"The Minister for the Environment is proceeding to implement septic tank compliance standards, however, it would be much more important for the Minister to give approval to essential sewerage schemes," Senator Ó Domhnaill concluded.

(CD/GK)