§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland—what was the public response to the consultations document describing the options for development of a new source of water for the eastern part of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. NeedhamThere was considerable interest in the document from councils other Government Departments, public bodies, commercial concerns, various recreational, environmental and other interests, as well as individual members of the public.
Their comments were most useful and taking these into account, together with cost considerations, the Department of the Environment has decided to reduce the options to be examined in the environmental assessment to the following three:
- (i) Abstraction from Lough Neagh at Hog Park Point, treatment at Hog Park Point, delivery to the existing Purdysburn service reservoir.
- (ii) Abstraction from Lough Neagh at Hog Park Point, treatment at Forked Bridge, delivery to the existing Purdysburn service reservoir.
- (iii) Impoundment of the Glenwhirry River, treatment adjacent to the dam, delivery to the existing Oldpark service reservoir.
The environmental assessment is expected to commence within the next three months.