asked the Minister for the Environment if in view of the escalating cost facing promotors of group water schemes and the benefit of such schemes to rural communities, he proposes to review the grant aids available and if submissions have been made to the EC for increased contributions.
Written Answers. - Group Water Scheme Grants.
25.
In May 1985 I increased the maximum grants payable for all group water schemes commenced on or after 1 July 1985 whether located in areas to which EC aid applies or elsewhere. The maximum grants payable for schemes outside those areas which qualify for aid under the FEOGA western package have been doubled to £600 for a domestic supply and £400 for a potential farm supply. In the case of schemes which qualify for FEOGA western package aid, I have increased the maximum grant payable to £700 and £500 for a domestic and potential farm supply respectively. I have also approved increases in the higher rates of grants for schemes in Gaeltacht areas and on islands.
The position with regard to FEOGA aid for group water schemes is set out in my reply to Question No. 24 of 5 December 1985.