In April 2022, I announced a new funding measure, as an advance stage of the upcoming Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, for the waste water collection and treatment needs of villages and settlements that do not have access to public waste water services.
Funding of €50 million has been specifically allocated under the National Development Plan 2021-2030. The first round of funding is intended to follow a demonstration project model approach to inform future funding needs that will provide appropriate longer-term solutions.
All local rural authorities were invited to submit applications for their two priority locations before 15 September 2022. I can confirm that Galway County Council submitted two applications, namely Clarinbridge and Craughwell.
An independent Expert Panel has critically evaluated each application received and based on a report from the Panel, approval of funding for specific projects will be made shortly.