Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Funding is currently provided under my Department’s rural water programme towards group water schemes, group sewerage schemes, small public water and wastewater scheme works and some miscellaneous grants. The allocation for the programme in 2013 was €39.6 million.

The allocation for the programme for 2014 is €27.7 million. The reduced provision in 2014 reflects the fact that responsibility for the small public water and wastewater scheme works element of the programme will transfer to Irish Water in 2014 and so funding for such works will no longer be required under the programme.

The primary focus of Irish Water will be on the delivery of services to customers on the public water and wastewater networks. The Department will remain responsible for the overall policy, and funding where appropriate, of the non-public sector, including the group water sector. The funding being provided in 2014 under the rural water programme will continue to fund group water schemes, group sewerage schemes and some miscellaneous grants.

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