Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
529. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a report on progress in relation to the new €50 million scheme established under the national development plan to target wastewater collection and treatment needs of villages and settlements without access to public wastewater services indicating when he expects an outcome to the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42290/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced funding on 28 April 2022 for a new funding measure under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2025, for the Waste Water Collection and Treatment needs of Villages and Settlements that do not have access to public waste water services. Details of the announcement can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f2fa6-minister-obrien-announces-50-million-in-funding-to-improve-the-waste-water-needs-of-rural-villages/
An allocation of €50 million has been committed under the National Development Plan for the new measure, which will focus on areas of most need based on housing and environmental criteria. It is expected that at least ten demonstration projects will be supported under this first round of funding. The demonstration project model will allow for the development of appropriate longer-term strategies, protocols and better inform future funding needs for the progressive development of public waste water collection and treatment infrastructure in villages/settlements that are currently without these services.
Details of the scheme, including terms and conditions and the relevant accompanying documents are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a524a-group-water-schemes-and-rural-water-issues/#waste-water-collection-and-treatment-needs-for-villages-and-settlements-without-access-to-public-waste-water-services.
It is now open to all local authorities to submit applications for funding and I would strongly encourage them to do so. Completed applications should be submitted in advance of the deadline of 15 September 2022.
An Expert Panel is in place to support the evaluation process. In addition to providing an expert perspective, the Panel brings independence, openness and transparency to the bids evaluation process which is done on a national prioritised basis. The Expert Panel’s membership includes Departmental, stakeholder and independent representation.
The Expert Panel will make recommendations on the suitability of projects for funding. This recommendation will be based on a detailed examination of all the valid proposals received using the criteria set out in the Framework document issued to local authorities. It is expected that an announcement on approvals and allocations will be made once that process has concluded.
