Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2021
129. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made by his Department to date in conducting the review of the revised well water grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/21]
View answerUnder the Housing (Private Water Supply Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020, the grant scheme to support improvement works for a private water supply was revised. The revised scheme forms part of the funding investment under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021.
The revised scheme, which opened for applications on 04 June 2020, brought into effect the following changes:
- A maximum grant for rehabilitation works of €3,000, an increase of 47% on the previous maximum grant level of €2,031.
- A maximum grant of €5,000 was introduced, in cases where the local authority agrees that the most appropriate solution is to provide a new well.
- The maximum percentage of approved costs was increased from 75% to 85%, subject to the total maximum costs of either €3,000 for well rehabilitation or €5,000 for a new well.
In addition, in recognition of the role of the grant in improving quality, the water quality treatment element (typically filtration and UV treatment) qualifies for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €1,000. This grant can be claimed on its own or in addition to either the grant for rehabilitation works or the grant for a new well.
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant scheme after one year of operation to ensure its alignment with policy objectives.
