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Water Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 March 2022

Wednesday, 30 March 2022

Ceisteanna (49, 50)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

49. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when strand 2 of the Rural Water Working Group will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17104/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

50. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish strand 1 of the Rural Water Working Group as soon as it is finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17105/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.

In April 2018, a Working Group was established to conduct a review of the wider investment needs relating to rural water services. The aim of the group is to recommend measures that ensure an equality of outcome between those who receive water services from Irish Water and non-Irish Water customers. The terms of reference for the review provide for a two-strand approach. Strand 1 is considering the composition and distribution of funding for the upcoming Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme. Strand 2 is considering the more complex longer-focus issues surrounding the long-term future resourcing of the Rural Water Sector.

While Strand 2 of the considerations by the Working Group is underway, deliberations on Strand 1 are currently being finalised. Strand 1 work will be completed in the coming weeks, with recommendations on the measures to be considered for funding under the upcoming multi-annual programme. Once I have had an opportunity to consider these recommendations, I expect to announce details of the programme priorities and an invitation to local authorities to submit bids will follow. An Expert Panel will evaluate all appropriate bids received and the recommendations of the Panel will then be submitted for my consideration and approval later this year.

Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 49.
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