€1.3m allocated to 15 Mayo rural water projects

Published: Wed 6 Nov 2024, 2:07 PM

Minister of State Alan Dillon has announced that funding of €1.3 million has been awarded to 15 projects across Mayo under the multi-annual rural water programme.

Earlier this year, local authorities were invited to collaborate with group water schemes and their representative body, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, to submit applications for funding for individual capital projects.

Following a comprehensive assessment process, which included a critical evaluation by an independent expert panel, funding of approximately €47.1 million for 256 individual capital projects across the country was approved.

Minister Dillon stated: “This includes funding of €1,312,198 for 15 projects across Mayo. The funding provided and the completion of these projects will enable Group Water Schemes to continue improving the quality, quantity, and reliability of water services in rural areas.”

However, Minister Dillon noted that this funding does not include new connections for areas such as Carrowtigue, Porturlin, Portacloy, and Shrataggle in north Mayo, where up to 198 households are awaiting domestic running water.

He assured these households that, following extensive discussions within his department and the Rural Water Expert Group, this project is still on track to be green-lighted in the coming weeks.

“I am continuing to work with Mayo County Council to progress the completion of a feasibility report relating to wastewater treatment for existing households in the Carrowtigue areas.

"Once this is done, I expect to have positive news on this €2.5 million project for these north Mayo areas that are in desperate need of running water.”

Minister Dillon added. “I want to assure these households that this project is still on track and their hard work is paying off.

"We have a clear direction of travel mapped out for these 198 households, and I will continue to support them until they have proper running water.”

Brackloon Spaddagh GWS