Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ivan Yates

Question:

286 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has to increase the resources made available for group water schemes; and the plans there are for a target level of these schemes to be taken into charge by local authorities in view of the reduced number of volunteers who are available to operate them privately. [24928/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, a record £420 million has been provided for the rural water programme which comprises a range of targeted initiatives for the development and upgrading of rural water infrastructure, particularly group water schemes.

I do not propose to set targets in relation to the number of group schemes to be taken in charge by local authorities. A local authority may, at any time and subject to the agreement of the group, take over a private group scheme. Annual block grants are allocated to local authorities by my Department on the basis of identified require ments to finance essential works needed to allow group schemes to be upgraded prior to integration into the public water supply network and taking in charge. It is a matter for each local authority in partnership with rural water county monitoring committees to prioritise the list of schemes to be taken in charge each year.