Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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771. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29331/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 875 individual applications were received from local authorities to fund projects under the current cycle of my Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP), which covers the period until the end of 2026.

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

Given the large number of applications received and in order to allow work to begin on projects it was decided to take a phased approach to the approval of funding. The Panel has completed its assessment for the majority of the applications received and in November 2024, as a first phase, more than €47 million of funding was approved for 256 capital projects. The individual projects being funded will improve water services for households throughout rural areas across the country.

For a number of applications, including the project in the details supplied, the Panel required further information from the local authority to allow it to make an informed recommendation. The local authority has provided the requested information and the Panel has completed its review and made a funding recommendation.

I expect to conclude my consideration shortly and make an announcement of the funding approved.