I propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 744 together.
On 8 February this year, I announced details of the measures being funded through my Department under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021. Local authorities were invited to submit their bids for the funding of schemes or projects in their functional areas. Mayo County Council made a number of bids under Measure 6 including for a proposal for Murrisk Community Water Connection (formerly called public group water schemes). The area of the proposal included Murrisk, Lecanvey and Kilsallagh (but not Louisburgh). I would note that water supply to the Louisburgh area is a matter for Irish Water.
The estimated cost of the proposed 350 house project was €4.725 million, or €13,500 per house. Grants of up to 85% of cost are available for Community Water Connections subject to a maximum grant of €7,650 per house (this means that the effective cost limit per house for this project is €9,000).
Although the project is approved in principle, the estimated cost needs to be significantly reduced. I understand that Mayo County Council is working in partnership with Irish Water to examine ways to reduce the estimated costs, and have met recently to discuss this issue. I am advised that the local authority is now considering the matter and will be writing to my Department regarding same in the near future.
There is a commitment from my Department to see this proposed project through and for work to commence, however, this is subject to a significant reduction being achieved in the estimated cost.