Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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71. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that the water from private wells is of a safe standard, given that since Uisce Éireann was established, homeowners with private wells have to pay a private lab service for testing of their drinking water, a service which previously was available free through the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53411/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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According to the latest census data available, approximately 10% of the population obtain their water from a private water supply (or private well). Owners must ensure that the water supply is wholesome and clean and is fit for human consumption.

My Department, provides financial assistance with grants, which are subject to terms and conditions, to assist householders dependent on these supplies where they incur capital expenditure. Where capital works are completed and for the purposes of certifying and confirming that the water supply concerned is fit for human consumption, the cost of sampling and analysis is fundable under the grant.

However, the grant is not otherwise available to fund the cost of sampling and testing of a private water supply. I can confirm that local authorities across the country did not previously provide full funding to pay for a private lab service for testing of private wells.

Further details can be found at:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/1d9d8-private-wells/

I can further confirm that my Department, in consultation with key stakeholders, is currently reviewing the grants available to identify where improvements could and should be made to their terms and conditions.

I expect to receive and review recommendations from this review process in the coming weeks.