Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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944. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when a group (details supplied) will receive funding through the 2024-2026 multi-annual rural water programme. [12322/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The current cycle of my Department's Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) covering the period to 2026 was launched in 2024. Almost 900 applications for funding for individual projects were received by my Department from local authorities across the country.

Mayo County Council submitted an application under Measure A5 of the programme to fund an extension to an existing group water scheme in Knockatubber.

As part of the application process for all applications received, an independent Expert Panel is tasked with evaluating and reviewing each individual project, assessing the information provided in the application against the objective of the programme and make recommendations for my consideration on the suitability of funding.

Given the large number of applications received and in order to allow work to begin on projects as soon as possible, it was decided to take a phased approach to funding approval. In November 2024, funding of €47.1m for 256 individual projects was approved. The projects being funded will improve water services for households throughout rural areas of the country.

The applications received under Measure A5 were not part of this first phase of the funding announced. The remaining applications, including those under Measure A5, are being considered by the Expert Panel. I expect to receive their recommendations for my consideration and decision shortly.

For information on specific applications received under the MARWP, each local authority has a Rural Water Liaison Officer who is best placed to provide this information. The officer can be contacted at the local authority offices – Mayo County Council in this instance.