Earlier this year I announced details of the new Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021. This included an improved funding scheme for individual wells. The changes to this scheme demonstrate the Government's strong commitment to supporting this critically important resource and are as follows:
- A maximum grant for rehabilitation works of €3,000 (which represents an increase of 47% on the current maximum grant amount), or where the local authority agrees that the most appropriate solution is to provide a new well, a maximum grant €5,000.
- Recognising the role of the grant in improving quality, the water treatment element (typically filtration and UV filtration) will qualify for 100% funding up to a maximum of €1,000.
- Up to 85% of other costs would be met, subject to the total combined maximum costs of €3,000 for well rehabilitation or €5,000 for a new well.
I expect that the necessary Regulations dealing with the financial assistance arrangements and related administrative matters will be put in place shortly and this will enable a circular letter, terms and conditions, guidance and the application form to issue to local authorities shortly thereafter.