Under the comprehensive package of measures which I announced in relation to group water schemes, capital moneys will be provided for the necessary upgrading of schemes through the existing group water grants scheme, in the case of schemes which wish to remain independent or, in other cases, through the new multi-annual programme for the take-over of group schemes by local authorities.
Responsibility for the administration of group water schemes grants has been devolved to the local authorities, subject to existing commitments on foot of approvals issued by my Department. It will in future be a matter for the local authorities to decide grant applications and the prioritisation of projects generally within the block grant allocations notified by my Department. Details of the devolved arrangements and the block grant allocations for 1997 have been sent to Deputies.
A special capital provision of £5 million a year is being made available for the upgrading and take-over of existing group schemes by the local authorities. Block grant allocations in respect of this measure will be notified shortly.