Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1328. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the increased payment for private domestic wells will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5757/20]
View answerIn 2019, I announced details of the new Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021. This included an improved funding scheme for individual wells and work on the development of this scheme is at an advanced stage.
The changes that I have approved to the individual wells grant scheme 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 of €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.
My Department required legal advice in relation to the drafting of the regulations which are required for the new grant scheme. That process is now almost complete and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the commencement of the new scheme shortly.
