€5.6 million for group water and sewerage schemes

MINISTER Simon Coveney has announced his department’s 2016 block and scheme-based grant allocations to local authorities for group water and sewerage schemes.

Nationally, the total allocation is almost €14.9 million, an almost 30% increase on last year's funding. Mayo County Council will receive, in total, €5,678,800.

Minister of State Michael Ring, in welcoming the funding, explained that allocations are provided to local authorities under the department’s Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2016-2018. Responsibility for the administration of the programme is devolved to the local authorities. Details of the overall allocations are being made to each local authority.

He said: “The funding is aimed primarily towards the improvement of water quality in existing group water schemes, the takeover of some schemes by Irish Water in cases where the scheme has sought such a takeover, and the upgrading and water conservation works in group water scheme distribution networks.

“Importantly, funding is also provided towards new group water and sewerage schemes – such new schemes enable rural households to have a supply of good quality piped water for the first time. The primary basis for the 2016 funding has been on existing commitments, 'shovel-ready' projects and with priority given to water quality compliance.”