A FINE GAEL TD yesterday cried to rule out any move by the Government to reverse or modify its decision to proceed with the controversial £23 million sewage treatment plant for Mutton Island in Galway Bay.
Following a meeting this week between the Save Galway Bay environmental group and the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins, speculation intensified that the plan would be modified.
This arose after Mr Higgins said he was prepared to punt the group's concerns about the plant's design and location to the Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin. Labour Party councillors in Galway city are strongly opposed to the Mutton Island site.
However, following a meeting with Mr Howlin, the Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Mr Padraic McCormack, said he had been told the project "had full Government support" and would proceed as proposed. A 900 metre causeway to the island would be built as soon as possible, he added.
"The water in Galway Bay is being polluted by the discharge of raw sewage because of the absence of a proper treatment plant. If we don't build one soon the water and beaches will be destroyed. People are simply refusing to swim in some places already and the potential losses to Galway in tourism revenue are enormous, said Mr McCormack.