Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1093.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when he expects to approve and roll out the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32135/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In January this year I launched the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 (MARWP) and invited local authorities to submit applications for funding with a closing date of 12 April 2024.

Under the MARWP Programme, all applications received by the Department undergo a two stage evaluation process.

Stage one involves my Department assessing each application to determine eligibility under the Programme, this stage is complete.

Stage two of the process, which is ongoing, is the evaluation and review of each individual project, assessing the evidence provided in the application against the objectives of the Programme.

An Expert Panel was established to complete this stage of the evaluation process. Under an independent Chairperson, the Panel’s membership includes the key stakeholders in the rural water sector.

The Panel is tasked with making recommendations on the suitability of individual projects for funding. My Department will consider the recommendations of the Panel and make a submission for my consideration and approval.

I expect this process to be completed in Q3 of this year.