Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of the Government’s new €175 million Capital Funding Programme for the Rural Water Sector 2027-2029, describing it as a major investment in improving drinking water services for rural communities.
The new multi-annual programme will provide €175 million over the next three years to support Group Water Schemes and other rural water projects that are not connected to Uisce Éireann’s public network. Applications under eight separate funding measures are now open to local authorities working in partnership with Group Water Schemes.
The programme is designed to improve drinking water quality, strengthen the resilience of rural water supplies and modernise infrastructure, helping to ensure rural communities continue to have access to safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “This is a significant investment in the future of rural Ireland. Many families and communities rely on Group Water Schemes every day, and this funding will help ensure they continue to have access to safe, high-quality and reliable drinking water.”
“The programme will support essential upgrades to water infrastructure, improve water quality and help communities respond to future challenges, including climate change. It also provides funding to extend services to areas where water quality or supply has been an ongoing issue.”
The new programme introduces a number of improvements following consultation with local authorities and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes. These include increasing the maximum grant available per household from €15,000 to €20,000, a greater focus on innovation and climate resilience, and the introduction of a new online application system to make the funding process more efficient.
Funding is available across eight measures, supporting projects including source protection, treatment plant upgrades, leakage reduction, infrastructure improvements, new and extended Group Water Schemes, connections to Uisce Éireann services, taking-in-charge projects and innovative water solutions.
Minister Canney added: “This programme recognises the important role that Group Water Schemes play in rural Ireland. By investing in their long-term sustainability, we are helping communities continue to live, work and grow with confidence that their water services will meet future needs.”
Local authorities are now invited to work with Group Water Schemes to prepare and submit applications under the programme. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will provide guidance throughout the application process, while the National Federation of Group Water Schemes will continue to support its members in developing projects.
