Almost €14m has been secured for group water and sewerage projects.

The allocations are being provided under the Department's Rural Water Programme. The funding is aimed at improving water quality in group water schemes, and at upgrading and water conservation works in group water scheme distribution networks. The programme also provides funding for group sewerage schemes.

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Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly, also confirmed that he will accept a recommendation from the National Rural Water Services Committee, which advises the Minister on rural water policy and investment, to investigate whether some elements of proposed new group schemes would merit a special contribution to help address funding shortfalls.

Minister Kelly said: "I want to find a funding mechanism to facilitate the progression of proposed new group water schemes which are not viable at current grant rates.

"I have therefore requested my Department to liaise with Mayo and Galway County Councils on examining the feasibility of the Committee's recommendation for appropriate schemes in these areas on a pilot basis."

(CD/JP)