Speaking on the announcement by Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government today (10 April, 2014) Andrew Doyle TD welcomes the 2014 block grant allocations to local authorities for Group Water and Group Sewerage Schemes and the positive and timely impact this will have on County Wicklow.
The Rural Water Programme benefits from some funding under the European Regional Development Fund. The allocations, which total almost €20 million is aimed at the improvement of water quality in group water schemes and upgrading and water conservation works in group water scheme distribution networks. Funding is also being provided towards group sewerage schemes. Responsibility for the administration of the programme is devolved to the local authorities.
Deputy Doyle comments “I am very pleased with the measures that have been granted to County Wicklow as I have been pushing hard for these allocations for treatment solutions, water conservation and network upgrades and specific source protection works. The maximum grant per house applying to new group water schemes has been increased to €6,475 per house and this increase, which restores the grant to the amount it was for a limited period in 2011. I am hopeful the increase will help some of these schemes to get off the ground and that it will play a major role in helping the people involved get a quality water supply”
“Additional analysis in relation to new group water scheme investment needs is been carried out and further recommendations from those findings will be available later this year” added Doyle.