Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
240. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends to reopen Measure A8 of the multi-annual rural water programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49378/23]
View answerIn April 2022, I announced a new funding measure, under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, for the waste water collection and treatment needs of villages that do not have access to public waste water services.
Funding of €50 million has been specifically allocated under the National Development Plan 2021-2030. The first round of funding is intended to follow a demonstration project model approach to inform future funding needs that will provide appropriate longer-term solutions.
All rural local authorities were asked to submit a maximum of two suitable priority applications each, for this funding measure. A total of 23 individual applications from 13 local authorities were received before the closing date of 15 September 2022.
An independent Expert Panel has evaluated each application received and I will announce approval of funding for specific projects shortly. I have no plans to re-open the application process at this time.
