asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to review the system of allocating grant aid to group water schemes, so as to take into the account low density of population; and the differing percentages of acceptances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Group Water Schemes.
1.
While the systems and procedures relating to the allocation of grants for group water schemes are kept under constant review and modified as circumstances dictate, no change in the basis on which grants are allocated is at present contemplated.
Would the Minister agree that some form of modification is necessary because of the serious financial difficulties encountered in some areas which are sparsely populated or which have a low rate of acceptance? These schemes provide a very necessary service.
Where there have been problems I have met representatives from the areas and sent officials from my Department to them. We have come up with some ideas to help those with problems. Any area which has a problem should let my Department know and we will see what we can do to help. We have done that, if not in the Deputy's own county, in one close to it. We will be reasonable but it is not on at present to make additional funding available.
I am aware that representations were made in a few cases where there were serious difficulties. I know there is a grant of £1,000 per connection for farms and £600 for domestic subject to a maximum of 80 per cent of the cost. Would the Minister accept that because of the poor rate of acceptance and the fact that some areas are sparsely populated this would represent 50 per cent of the cost?
This question is developing into an argument.
It is not. If they got 80 per cent of the cost they would not have the serious difficulties they have at present.
There must be a ceiling. The Deputy mentioned 80 per cent but it could be 80 per cent of anything. We could not agree to that. The grant of £1,000 and £600 is reasonable given the circumstances. We review it from time to time but we do not see any need to change it at present.
Does the Minister of State not agree that because of the difficulties encountered in some areas other areas will be deterred from having group water schemes and that large tracts of country will not be covered? It will be left to the local authority to provide it at a higher cost.
I have great respect and regard for people who organise group water schemes. They do a tremendous job and I would not like to see them discontinued for whatever reason. I do not want anything to upset the way it works. However, the overall picture indicates that there is no serious problem. There may be certain areas where there are problems and I am prepared to look at these.