Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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264. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if grant aid will be provided for group water schemes to facilitate the installation of generators, in view of the difficulties that have arisen with power outages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7092/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Group water schemes are community-owned and community-run enterprises and accordingly I have no function in their day-to-day management or operation.

However, my Department does work in partnership with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), who are the national representative body, to support the group water scheme sector.

I can confirm that my Department worked very closely alongside the NFGWS and with local authorities and individual group water schemes to minimise the difficulties arising from the impact of Storm Éowyn on group water schemes.

A full assessment of the effect of the recent storm on group water schemes is underway, led by the NFGWS, which will include lessons learned that will inform future approaches and needs.

On completion of the assessment by the NFGWS, my Department will consider its findings and any recommendations made.