Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, I cannot guarantee that. However, I agree with the Deputy that we need a top-up for group water and sewerage schemes. I will see what I can do in my Department, but there are budgetary constraints. I am committed to what the Deputy seeks and, like him, believe people in rural Ireland should have both water and sewerage services, where possible, and receive the same supports from the State as people in cities and towns. I can give one commitment to the Deputy. I am reviewing the issue and sympathetic to group water schemes. I am aware of schemes that were ready to go in 2010 when the CLÁR programme was closed down and they never happened because it was not possible to get the local contribution. It was a good scheme which worked. I will review it and if I can find some funding in my Department, it is one I would like to have up and running as quickly as possible.

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