Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Conway. To allay the concern he raises that the expert panel could perhaps say that nowhere needs the scheme, we all know of places all over Ireland - I have them in my constituency of Kildare - that need this level of investment. I take heart from the line in the original response which talks about taking a demonstration project model approach. I do not think there is any risk of the expert panel not making a recommendation on areas. It will be about prioritisation based on set criteria but ultimately the project model will be able to deliver. Not only will the selected projects that are chosen in the first phase be very important for those communities but lessons will be learnt on how they are delivered. The rural water programme provides funding to support and improve the water services in areas of rural Ireland where public water services are not available. This is a critical role for us to get right in terms of our water quality, people's quality of life and future balanced regional development around the country. I have no doubt the decision will be made shortly in the best interests of everyone involved.