Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. The Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, and his Department is looking at some schemes. The Deputy is correct in that we need to develop sewerage and water schemes. Many small schemes throughout the country need to be extended and, in some cases, new schemes are required. These are small schemes. My officials and officials in the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government have been talking about what we can do to provide some support. My Department does not have the resources and I do not mind if the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government plays some part in it. We can look at the CLÁR and other programmes assisting small communities but we need a scheme. The Deputy is correct that many towns and villages throughout the country are expanding and want a sewerage treatment plan and to extend the water scheme. To be fair, it is communities that are leading this and not local authorities or State agencies. They deserve a bit of support and a scheme. My colleagues and I are looking at that. In regard to the CLÁR programme, I am looking at different ways to see what I can do to assist rural areas.

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