Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Ó Cuív. As I said, the CLÁR scheme was closed in 2010 and reopened in 2016. The Deputy is correct that it needs to be reviewed. In response to his simple question, I believe that people in rural Ireland have a right to clean water. I agree with the Deputy’s views on CLÁR and I will review both the sewerage and water schemes. The Deputy’s assessment is correct. When members of small communities are collecting local contributions for a group water scheme, the amounts involved are too high for individual households so a top-up must be put in place. I will review the CLÁR scheme in that context and speak to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment which should increase the funding available for setting up group water schemes.

My first priority on taking office was to get the CLÁR programme back up and running and I am glad I have done that. I have looked at a number of different measures because there is an element of flexibility within the CLÁR programme in terms of supporting rural Ireland. I do not disagree with the Deputy's views on this matter and have been considering a top-up. However, while I want to support small group water and sewerage schemes because the local contribution required is too high, I do not want to see the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment withdrawing money while my Department subsidises such schemes. I want to be able to top up the group water and sewerage schemes in an effective way and will consider the possibility of doing so early in the new year.

See this speech in context