Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
393. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider applications for projects of a small scale under Measure A7 of the multi-annual rural water programme for connections of less than 25 households in certain circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18854/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 (MARWP 2024-2026) on 17 January 2024. The core purpose of the MARWP 2024-2026 is to provide the necessary funding to address infrastructure deficits that are having an impact on the provision of safe and secure drinking water supplies for rural dwellers, where public Uisce Éireann water services are not available. Significant capital funding of €175m is committed to the programme under the National Development Plan.
Local authorities were invited to submit, under a range of measures, applications for funding for priority projects in their areas by the closing date of 12 April 2024.
Under the MARWP 2024-2026 individual funding measures are each directed at a specific activity, such as source protection, water treatment, network improvement etc. The funding measures available are broadly in line with those provided under the previous programme.
However, the experience from previous programmes is that for small scale projects under Measure A7 - Community Water Connections and Community Waste Water Connections – the costs per house are extremely high. Therefore, in order to benefit from economies of scale and ensure that such projects are viable, a minimum of 25 households has been set for applications under this funding measure.
