Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2011
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects local authorities to receive adequate funding from him for the provision of group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30683/11]
View answerMy Department provides funding towards group water schemes by way of annual block grant allocations to local authorities under the Department's Rural Water Programme. Responsibility for the administration of this programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual group scheme proposals for funding and advancement under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocation provided, is therefore a matter for the water services authorities.
Decisions on the funding to be provided under the programme in 2012 will be made as early as possible in the New Year after taking into account needs outlined by the local authorities and the available Exchequer resources.
