Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2012
195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent, if any, to which he will be in a position to support the funding of local group water schemes by the various local authorities throughout the country on a county basis over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6172/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding towards group water schemes by way of annual block grant allocations to local authorities under the Department's Rural Water Programme.
Responsibility for the administration of this programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual group scheme proposals for funding and advancement under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocation provided, is therefore a matter for the water services authorities.
The 2012 allocation for the Rural Water Programme is €40 million. My Department is currently considering the proposals received from local authorities towards the end of last month for funding under the Programme in 2012. Decisions on the funding to be provided to the local authorities, having regard to the proposals submitted, will be made as soon as possible.
