Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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158. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will ensure that all communities without water are supported and fast-tracked in joining group water schemes as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23460/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Government’s vision for water services – whether publicly supplied by Uisce Éireann or otherwise delivered under the Rural Water Programme - is set out in the Water Services Policy Statement 2018 to 2025 and is based on the delivery and development of water services in line with the needs and expectations of citizens and users; in compliance with legal obligations; in a fair and cost-effective manner, and in keeping with the principles of social, economic and environmental sustainability. A copy of the Water Services Policy Statement 2018 to 2025 can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/49364-water-services-policy-statement-2018-2025/

Factors such as distance and geography mean that connection to a mains water supply is unlikely to be a technically feasible or economically viable solution for all households. Almost 85% of households are supplied by water through the public water system operated by Uisce Éireann. In addition, approximately 6% of the population have their drinking water supplied by group water schemes.

Group water schemes (GWS) are community-owned and community run enterprises. My Department funds a range of measures to GWS to deliver infrastructural improvements to rural water supplies.

Under the National Development Plan, funding has been allocated over the period 2021 to 2025 for investment in rural water infrastructure. This includes €175 million for the Rural Water Programme, which is administered through the local authorities. Additionally, the funding provided under the Programme includes an annual subsidy available to all GWS.

Further information is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a524a-group-water-schemes-and-rural-water-issues/