Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2010
520 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his spending proposals on group sewerage schemes on an annual basis to the end of 2010 on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31301/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraCounty Councils were notified of their block grant allocations under the Rural Water Programme in April 2010. The total funding involved in block grant allocations was nearly €85 million and a list showing the overall allocation to each Council is available in the Oireachtas Library.
These block grant allocations cover both funding for group water and sewerage schemes and small public water and sewerage schemes. The major part of the funding for the group sector is directed at investment required under the Rural Water Action Plan developed to improve drinking water supplies in response to an adverse ruling against Ireland by the European Court of Justice.
Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual group sewerage schemes for advancement under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocation provided, is a matter for the water services authorities.
