Donegal County Council has been given the go-ahead to prepare contract Documents for the Lough Mourne and Letterkenny Water Supply Scheme.

The first two phases of the scheme are being funded under the 2007 - 2009 Water Services Investment Programme at a cost of €42.2 million.

Mr. John Gormley, Dáil minster for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, said the approval reflects the department's commitment to supply a reliable service that is 100 per cent compliant with drinking water standards.

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The Scheme will provide for additional water storage at Lough Mourne by implementing impoundment measures, expansion with upgrading of the Meencrumlin Water Treatment Plant, upgrading of the distribution system and further works in the northern area of the water supply system to extend supply to Letterkenny.

The minister said: "Phase 1 interim works have already been approved and eventually the Scheme will provide a single integrated Rural Water Supply Scheme for the North East area of Donegal."

The Minister's approval of the Preliminary Report clears the way for Donegal County Council to draw up contract documents for the scheme with a view to inviting tenders at the earliest opportunity.

The minister asked Donegal County Council to ensure that the preparation of the contract documents proceeds immediately to ensure the construction of the scheme gets underway as soon as possible.

(GK/JM)