asked the Minister for the Environment if he will provide greater grant aid for group water supply schemes in remote isolated areas as, at present, the local contribution demanded precludes many people in rural areas from having water supplies connected to their homes.
Written Answers. - Water Schemes.
526.
Mr. Coughlan
The level of grants for group schemes already takes account of differing conditions in different areas. There are special rates for schemes in Gaeltacht areas and on islands around the coast — e.g. the rate of grant for schemes on Gaeltacht islands in the western region is 90 per cent of the cost per unit subject to a maximum of £975 per house and £400 per potential farm supply. In western areas generally grants for group water schemes are payable at the rate of 80 per cent of the cost per unit, subject to maximum grants of £600 per domestic supply and £400 per potential farm supply as compared to 66? per cent subject to maximum of £300 and £200 respectively in non-western areas.