SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has welcomed the response to his Assembly Question from the Regional Development Minister that there will be a review of financial assistance available for rural homes not served by a water mains.

Mr Dallat said: "Regrettably there are still several rural areas which are not served with a water mains and this is an issue which requires the priority of the minister who is responsible for the public water supply.

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"In many cases the householders cannot meet the criteria despite the fact that the allowance has been raised from £6,500 to £10,000 per property from 1 April 2009. This applies only to properties constructed before 1 January 2000 and unfortunately excludes any properties built after that time."

He continued: "It is my intention now to explore possible funding from other sources which assist rural development and I can think of no better use of public money than providing people with a dependable water supply to meet their needs.

"I am aware of situations where this exists in the Ringsend and Dungiven areas and would welcome contact from residents in other areas where there is no public water supply."

(NS/GK)