Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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436. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update of the application made in April 2024 on behalf of a community group water scheme (details supplied), under Measure A6 of the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2024 to 2026; if he will provide a timeline on the confirmation of funding bids in relation to Measure A6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35217/25]

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

Clare County Council submitted a number of applications including one under Measure A6 for the group water scheme mentioned in the details supplied.

As part of the application process, an independent Expert Panel is tasked with evaluating all applications received and reviewing each individual project, assessing the information provided in the application against the objective of the programme and make recommendations for my consideration and decision on their 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 A6 - taking in charge of public group water schemes - were not part of the first phase of funding announced. However, the Expert Panel has now completed its evaluation of applications under this measure.

I expect to conclude my consideration of their recommendations shortly and make an announcement regarding funding.