Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
743. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the proposed water scheme for the areas of Murrisk, Lecanvey, Kilsallagh and Louisburgh, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52799/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra744. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the proposed plans for a water supply to the areas of Murrisk, Lecanvey, Kilsallagh and Louisburgh, County Mayo; if the areas are included in the plans; if the areas will receive an adequate water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52800/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 744 together.
On 8 February this year, I announced details of the measures being funded through my Department under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021. Local authorities were invited to submit their bids for the funding of schemes or projects in their functional areas. Mayo County Council made a number of bids under Measure 6 including for a proposal for Murrisk Community Water Connection (formerly called public group water schemes). The area of the proposal included Murrisk, Lecanvey and Kilsallagh (but not Louisburgh). I would note that water supply to the Louisburgh area is a matter for Irish Water.
The estimated cost of the proposed 350 house project was €4.725 million, or €13,500 per house. Grants of up to 85% of cost are available for Community Water Connections subject to a maximum grant of €7,650 per house (this means that the effective cost limit per house for this project is €9,000).
Although the project is approved in principle, the estimated cost needs to be significantly reduced. I understand that Mayo County Council is working in partnership with Irish Water to examine ways to reduce the estimated costs, and have met recently to discuss this issue. I am advised that the local authority is now considering the matter and will be writing to my Department regarding same in the near future.
There is a commitment from my Department to see this proposed project through and for work to commence, however, this is subject to a significant reduction being achieved in the estimated cost.
