Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2009
898 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will re-introduce grant aid for water and sewage schemes in CLÁR areas for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1069/09]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, one of the more successful aspects of the CLÁR Programme has been the level of funding provided to the various Water and Sewerage measures over the years. Funding approved under those measures rose from approximately €2.4m in 2002 to more than €16m in 2008. In total over €45m has been approved to date for water and sewerage schemes since the programme was launched in 2001. Currently, there is in excess of €17m in outstanding commitments under these measures.
In relation to accepting new applications for Water and Sewerage schemes, I am currently reviewing the CLÁR programme as a whole, having regard to demand, the funding available and the level of outstanding commitments. In this context, I will consider the reintroduction of modified Water and Sewerage measures when circumstances allow.
