asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make £1 million capital available on a once-off basis to the Cork County Council, north Cork area, so that 700 houses and homes can have piped water supply in rural areas as the existing regional schemes, because of height, will not allow for services to these homes as this would complete the final phase of piped water to these homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Piped Water Supply.
50.
The initiative in formulating proposals for public water supply schemes rests with the local authority. The allocation of moneys (over £800,000 to north Cork in the current year) in respect of such schemes arises only in relation to specific schemes for which the necessary plans have been prepared by the local authority and approved by the Department.
A grant scheme operated by my Department assists in the provision of water supplies which are not provided as part of a public scheme. An amount of up to £400 is available in respect of the installation of a single private domestic water supply. Where the installation is done as part of a group scheme comprising two or more dwellings, a grant of up to £1,000 is available for a supply serving both a house and farm.