The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien announced the successful applications under a new rural water scheme targeting the waste water collection and treatment needs of villages and settlements without access to public waste water services. The Minister has received Government approval to progress with the scheme at Cabinet at a recent meeting.

The scheme is funded by a €50 million commitment under the National Development Plan (NDP) to 2025 and this announcement follows the completion of a review of villages and settlements that do not have access to public waste water infrastructure across Ireland.

Commenting on the new rural water scheme and the successful applications, Minister O’Brien said, “this Government have committed, through the NDP, to support the proportionate growth of rural towns and villages. We absolutely understand the need for balanced regional investment and growth throughout the country and the importance of equitable rural investment. As well as that we are extremely conscious of the risks arising from inappropriate waste water treatment infrastructure both to public health and indeed the environment.”

“That’s why I am making the announcement today that the villages of Clarinbridge and Craughwell in Co. Galway, Ramsgrange in Co. Wexford, Broadford and Cooraclare in Co. Clare, Beaufort in Co. Kerry and Ballygawley in Co. Sligo will all proceed to funding stage subject to engagement and agreement with the relevant with Local Authority. Having visited many of these villages, I acknowledge and greatly appreciate the work of the local communities in campaigning for these facilities.”