Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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42. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason for a three year delay in drawing down funding from his Department and progressing a group water scheme in (details supplied) County Kerry notwithstanding repeated representations from this Deputy to relevant officials; if he will liaise with both Irish Water and Kerry County Council to help progress the matter for the benefit of the waiting householders; if a drawdown deadline exists in relation to this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31238/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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In 2019, my Department announced funding for capital works under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021. An allocation of €53,550 was provided to Kerry County Council for the project, a Community Water Connection, named in the details supplied.

I am keenly aware of the importance and vital significance of these Community Water Connections that are funded under the Programme. The funding provided gives the households concerned an opportunity to obtain a piped supply of water for the first time replacing deficient private supplies in many cases.

Among the benefits of the multi-annual funding approach is that it provides assurances to applicants that expenditure may be recouped over the course of the Programme as projects progress. Projects that have not commenced should progress to completion quickly but if necessary, as is the case here, may carry over into the next funding cycle. 

My Department is responsible for policy while the day to day management of the Programme is devolved to the local authorities. Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO). The RWLO deals with the day to day issues for the Programme and can be contacted at the local authority offices.

However, to be helpful in this case my Department has contacted Irish Water and asked them to reply to Kerry County Council on the matter raised by the Council as quickly as possible. In addition my Department is liaising with the Council on the matter.

Local authorities work in conjunction with communities to complete the process to deliver projects under the Programme as quickly as possible through engagement with all stakeholders including Irish Water as required. Project delivery face considerable challenges not least of which was the Covid-19 restrictions in the 2019-2021 funding cycle. In the circumstance, good will and patience is also required for projects that remain to be completed.