Written answers

Wednesday, 12 May 2021

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Departmental Reviews

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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129. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the progress made by his Department to date in conducting the review of the revised well water grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/21]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Housing (Private Water Supply Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020, the grant scheme to support improvement works for a private water supply was revised. The revised scheme forms part of the funding investment under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021.

The revised scheme, which opened for applications on 04 June 2020, brought into effect the following changes:

- A maximum grant for rehabilitation works of €3,000, an increase of 47% on the previous maximum grant level of €2,031.

- A maximum grant of €5,000 was introduced, in cases where the local authority agrees that the most appropriate solution is to provide a new well.

- The maximum percentage of approved costs was increased from 75% to 85%, subject to the total maximum costs of either €3,000 for well rehabilitation or €5,000 for a new well.

In addition, in recognition of the role of the grant in improving quality, the water quality treatment element (typically filtration and UV treatment) qualifies for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €1,000. This grant can be claimed on its own or in addition to either the grant for rehabilitation works or the grant for a new well.

In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant scheme after one year of operation to ensure its alignment with policy objectives.

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