A grant for the provision or improvement of individual water supplies came into operation on 30 April 1997. The objective of the grant scheme was to assist households, dependant on private individual water supplies, who were incurring capital expenditure to:
- provide a piped supply of water for domestic purposes for the first time, or
- remedy serious deficiencies in an existing supply of water for domestic purposes.
Under the Housing (Private Water Supply Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020, the grant scheme was revised. The revised scheme forms part of the funding investment under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021.
The revised scheme, which opened for applications on 4 June 2020, brought into effect the following changes:
- A maximum grant for rehabilitation works of €3,000, an increase of 47% on the previous maximum grant level of €2,031.
- A maximum grant of €5,000 was introduced, in cases where the local authority agrees that the most appropriate solution is to provide a new well.
- The maximum percentage of approved costs was increased from 75% to 85%, subject to the total maximum costs of either €3,000 for well rehabilitation or €5,000 for a new well.
In addition, in recognition of the role of the grant in improving quality, the water quality treatment element (typically filtration and UV treatment) qualifies for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €1,000. This grant can be claimed on its own or in addition to either the grant for rehabilitation works or the grant for a new well.
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant scheme after at least one year of operation to ensure its continued alignment with policy objectives. The specifics of this review have not yet been formalised, however, it is anticipated that relevant stakeholders will be consulted e.g. local authorities etc. as appropriate. In considering an indicative timeframe for the review, consideration will be given to the most appropriate period in order to ensure best engagement from relevant stakeholders.
