Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1328. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the increased payment for private domestic wells will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5757/20]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In 2019, I announced details of the new Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021. This included an improved funding scheme for individual wells and work on the development of this scheme is at an advanced stage.

The changes that I have approved to the individual wells grant scheme are as follows:

- A maximum grant for  rehabilitation works of €3,000 (which represents an increase of 47% on the  current maximum grant amount), or where the local authority agrees that the most appropriate solution is to provide a new well, a maximum grant of  €5,000;

- Recognising the role of the grant in improving quality, the water treatment element (typically filtration and UV filtration) will qualify for 100% funding up to a maximum of €1,000;

- Up to 85% of other costs  would be met, subject to the total combined maximum costs of €3,000 for well rehabilitation or €5,000 for a new well.

My Department required legal advice in relation to the drafting of the regulations which are required for the new grant scheme. That process is now almost complete and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the commencement of the new scheme shortly.