Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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291. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the progress to date in the upgrading of various group water schemes by county basis; the number needing and awaiting such treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55435/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides support to the Rural Water Sector through a Multi-annual Rural Water Programme  for capital investment and the Annual Subsidy for Group Water Schemes.

The current Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021 is providing capital funding for 621 projects across 25 local authorities. This funding is being provided through local authorities and will largely support infrastructure improvements for Group Water Schemes in rural areas. Details of these projects/schemes that received an allocation can be found on my Department's website at this address:www.gov.ie/en/circular/cf807-circular-l219-approval-of-schemesprojects-under-the-multi-annual-rural-water-programme-2019-2021-and-grant-allocations-to-local-authorities-for-2019/

My Department monitors progress under the Programme based on the expenditure of each local authority. However, it does not hold a data base which would include information in the manner requested in the question. Each local authority has a dedicated Rural Water Liaison Officer and further queries in relation to specific schemes/projects can be addressed to the Officer in the relevant local authority.

My Department, under the oversight of the Rural Water Working Group, is currently reviewing the Framework for the upcoming Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2024. 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. The process will allow, projects/schemes in the Rural Water Sector requiring capital works, an opportunity to bid for funding.