Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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46. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he is taking to support the development of sewerage schemes in villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46927/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government supports the uptake of Irish Water's Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme 2020-2024, which will provide water and waste water growth capacity in smaller settlements. I understand from Irish Water that an allocation of almost €100 million for this programme was approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. Irish Water is working with local authorities across the country to ensure the investment supports the growth of identified settlements, where these are prioritised in line with the local authority development plans.

In addition, on 28 April 2022 I announced funding for a new measure under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2025, for the Waste Water Collection and Treatment needs of Villages and Settlements that do not have access to public waste water services. Details of the announcement can be found at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f2fa6-minister-obrien-announces-50-million-in-funding-to-improve-the-waste-water-needs-of-rural-villages/ 

An allocation of €50 million has been committed under the National Development Plan for the new measure, which will focus on areas of most need based on housing and environmental criteria. It is expected that at least ten demonstration projects will be supported under this first round of funding. The demonstration project model will allow for the development of appropriate longer-term strategies, protocols and better inform future funding needs for the progressive development of public waste water collection and treatment infrastructure in villages/settlements that are currently without these services.

Details of the scheme, including terms and conditions and the relevant accompanying documents are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a524a-group-water-schemes-and-rural-water-issues/#waste-water-collection-and-treatment-needs-for-villages-and-settlements-without-access-to-public-waste-water-services.

The closing date for receipt of applications was 15 September 2022. An Expert Panel will now evaluate all valid bids and based on the recommendations of the Panel a report will be submitted for my consideration and approval.