Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
480. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give consideration to the introduction of a small grant scheme for community-environmental group water harvesting equipment in view of the concerns that the work of such groups will be seriously curtailed as a result of the introduction of water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19225/14]
View answerResponsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme, under which funding is provided for group water schemes, has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. Details of the grants available for such schemes may, therefore, be obtained from the local authorities.
I am fully supportive of all technologies which contribute to the conservation of water. Rainwater harvesting has the potential to benefit the environment and contribute to reducing the cost of water services for certain uses. However, the introduction of a grants scheme for any purpose must be managed within current budgetary constraints and, insofar as the funds administered by my Department are concerned, there are currently no plans to introduce a grant scheme for the installation of Rainwater Harvesting systems.
