Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
322. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the current stage of the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024–2026; the number of projects approved; the total funding allocated to date; and the measures still under consideration. [68628/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to publish a breakdown of funding allocations under the MARWP 2024–2026, by county and measure; and to confirm whether any unallocated funds remain available for urgent cases. [68632/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 326 together.
The Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) 2024–2026 is the primary capital funding stream addressing the challenges faced by the Rural Water Sector, particularly group water schemes. Its main focus is ensuring the supply of safe drinking water to existing households.
There are nine funding measures under this cycle of MARWP covering the period 2024 to 2026. To date, over €180.5 million has been allocated to more than 550 individual projects across these measures.
The Expert Panel, which is tasked with assessing all applications under MARWP 2024–2026, has concluded its assessment of the remaining 30 complex applications, which represent the last of all applications received. An announcement on these projects is expected shortly.
It is important to note that the MARWP already provides a mechanism to address exceptional or urgent needs. Local authorities may apply to my Department at any time for emergency or once-off funding where exceptional circumstances arise; it is not necessary to await the next Programme cycle.
The Framework document sets out procedures for urgent/emergency cases and is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/circulars/circular-l124-multi-annual-rural-water-programme-2024-2026-applications-for-funding/.
Information on funding allocations, by measure and county, is published following each approval phase and can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/minister-obrien-announces-capital-investment-funding-for-rural-water-services/.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/minister-browne-announces-74-million-capital-investment-funding-for-rural-water-services/.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/minister-browne-approves-additional-funding-of-143-million-for-wastewater-improvements-in-local-communities/.
