Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2013
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when consideration will be given to the approval of the group/small sewerage scheme at Kilmacraddock, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34114/13]
View answer171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number and location of small or group sewerage schemes submitted to his Department for approval; when such approval is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34115/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme, which includes group sewerage schemes, has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. In December 2012, I announced an increase in the grant for group sewerage schemes to €6,500 per house or 75% of the cost of the scheme, whichever is the lesser. The previous rate of grant available was €2,031.58 per house or 75% of the cost, whichever was the lesser. I propose, in the first instance, to carry out a number of pilot schemes based on the increased grant level. My Department asked local authorities to include in their requests for funding under the 2013 Rural Water Programme proposals for pilot group sewerage schemes which might be viable based on the increased grant.
Following an examination of the proposals received, with particular regard to the environmental justification provided and the estimated costs, I approved grant assistance last March towards eight pilot schemes in eight different counties, including one, with an estimated cost of €80,000, at Boston Cottages in Co. Kildare. The proposal received from Kildare County Council for Kilmacredock, which had an estimated cost of €800,000, was not selected as a pilot scheme. Progress on the selected pilot schemes will be reviewed in due course with a view to deciding how best to proceed with the grant scheme. Information on the number and location of the pilot group sewerage schemes proposals submitted by the local authorities is being compiled and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
