Written answers

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Local Authorities

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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342. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the way the framework for local authority submissions for the 2022-2024 Multi Annual Rural Water Programme is being developed; the total funding made available by his Department; when applications will be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52069/21]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, under the oversight of the Rural Water Working Group, is reviewing the Framework for the upcoming Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2024.

The organisations that are participating on the Working Group reflect the importance and wide ranging impact of the Rural Water Sector. In addition to my Department (Chair), the Working Group comprises of: the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Health Service Executive, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and the County and City Management Association. The Working Group is also consulting with other relevant stakeholders, including Irish Water.

The aim of the Framework is to provide guidance to local authorities, private water suppliers and their technical advisors on the process, structure and broader criteria required for the multi-annual programme. In reviewing the Framework the Working Group is also considering emerging demands within the Rural Water Sector, to expand and improve on the previous multi-annual programme.

Under the National Development Plan 2021-2030 funding has been allocated over the period 2021 to 2025 for (non-Irish Water) investment in rural water infrastructure. This includes €175 million for the Rural Water Programme to be delivered through the multi-annual programme.

I expect to receive a submission on the Framework in the coming weeks for my consideration with, subject to my approval, the bids process for the upcoming multi-annual programme to take place early in the new-year.

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