Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
965. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing a financial support package for households that use a private water source and must use an electric pump to access their water supply, considering the increased energy costs involved in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39287/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department provides financial support to the private water sector primarily through the Rural Water Programme. Private water supplies are those not operated by Uisce Éireann and include group water schemes.
Under the Rural Water Programme, grant assistance is available, through local authorities, for individual private water supplies (domestic wells) to assist households dependent on these supplies with the costs incurred in providing water for domestic purposes.
Further information on the grant scheme is available from my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/1d9d8-private-wells/?referrer=http://www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/rural-water-programme/private-wells.
I can confirm that my Department is carrying out a review of the grant scheme and a focused workshop with local authority staff administering the grant will take place later in the week. The outcome of this and the view of key stakeholders will be considered as part of this review process.
