Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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103. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review the co-funding contribution expected of local authorities for the provision of wastewater infrastructure; if his Department will assist Galway County Council with their contribution for the Craughwell and Clarinbridge projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53888/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Under my Department's Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, approval in principle of some €45 million in funding has been given to a number of projects addressing the wastewater collection and treatment needs of villages without access to public wastewater services. This includes the Craughwell and Clarinbridge projects referenced in the Question.

The delivery of these projects is the responsibility of the relevant local authorities. However, they are required to work in consultation with Uisce Éireann, reflecting that the infrastructure being constructed will ultimately be owned by, and will fall to be operated by, Uisce Éireann.

Since the funding announcement, the local authorities and Uisce Éireann have jointly undertaken and completed a reassessment of the projects. This exercise confirmed the most efficient construction options and provided clarity to the local authorities on the level of co-funding contribution required from them for each project.

The local authorities concerned have been asked to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place and responses in this regard have been received by my Department. These submissions are currently under consideration, and any decisions regarding adjustments or assistance will be made in due course.