Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will re-examine the fact that the Donaghmoyne group water scheme has not been granted support towards their new treatment plant in spite of the fact that there was a total commitment that no group would be penalised if they did not remain in a bundle; if he will confirm that there is significant funding unused in the 2007 allocation towards group water schemes. [21848/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The project for the provision of water treatment facilities for privately sourced group water schemes through bundled Design/Build/Operate contracts was pilot tested in Monaghan on foot of a recommendation by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee. The pilot project initially involved eleven group water schemes, including Donaghmoyne, and three local authority public water supply schemes and the Department provided a 100% capital grant to finance the project under the Rural Water Programme.

The Donaghmoyne Group Scheme subsequently withdrew from the pilot project, notwithstanding the special 100% grant for participating groups. Following its withdrawal from the pilot project, the Donaghmoyne Group Scheme progressed alternative upgrading works from initial planning through to construction stage.

In common with other publicly funded programmes, the eligibility criteria for grant assistance under the Rural Water Programme require compliance with certain public procurement, financial management and control procedures, including prior clearance of technical specifications and approval of grants in advance of commencement of works.

The Donaghmoyne Group Water Scheme Committee was advised on a number of occasions that their proposal was not in compliance with the requirements for grant purposes. In the circumstances, no funding can be made available under the Rural Water Programme. It is expected that all funding allocated for the Rural Water Programme in 2007 will be fully drawn down.