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For Written Answer on : 12/05/2021
Question Number(s): 129 Question Reference(s): 25142/21
Department: Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the progress made by his Department to date in conducting the review of the revised well water grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
Under the Housing (Private Water Supply Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020, the grant scheme to support improvement works for a private water supply was revised. The revised scheme forms part of the funding investment under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021.
The revised scheme, which opened for applications on 04 June 2020, brought into effect the following changes:
- A maximum grant for rehabilitation works of €3,000, an increase of 47% on the previous maximum grant level of €2,031.
- A maximum grant of €5,000 was introduced, in cases where the local authority agrees that the most appropriate solution is to provide a new well.
- The maximum percentage of approved costs was increased from 75% to 85%, subject to the total maximum costs of either €3,000 for well rehabilitation or €5,000 for a new well.
In addition, in recognition of the role of the grant in improving quality, the water quality treatment element (typically filtration and UV treatment) qualifys for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €1,000. This grant can be claimed on its own or in addition to either the grant for rehabilitation works or the grant for a new well.
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant scheme after one year of operation to ensure its alignment with policy objectives.