Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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257. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 551 of 24 June 2025, if it is his Department’s intention to allow further funding applications under measure A8 of the existing the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026; if not, if his Department will next progress such funding applications under a further iteration of the plan; if any update can be provided on the development of an updated Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36871/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's current Multi-annual Rural Water Programme covers the period up to the end of 2026.

Under this cycle of the Programme, funding of more than €45 million is approved in principle for seven projects under measure A8 as a funding contribution to local authorities for projects to address the wastewater collection and treatment needs for villages without access to public wastewater services.

The measure was designed to support and deliver infrastructure in the selected locations but also for these projects to act as pilot schemes. The portfolio of projects approved funding are providing valuable insight into the technical, environmental, and cost challenges associated with delivering appropriate and sustainable wastewater solutions in small villages not served by Uisce Éireann.

The experience gained from these demonstration projects will inform a longer-term evidence based national policy.