Minister of State Joe McHugh has welcomed the announcement that Donegal is to receive€654,500 under the 2015 Rural Water Programme.
This allocation to the local authority is for group water and group sewerage schemes.
The 2015 allocation of almost €14 million on group water and sewerage schemes represents an increase of over 15% on the 2014 expenditure of €11.8 million.
“I am very pleased to see that the €250,000 funding for Townawilly in Raphoe, and Tory Island Group Water Schemes will benefit over 180 homes, with a commitment from the Dept that if the local authority is confident further on that it can spend more than the €250,000, it can apply for additional funding in the review of the programme later in the year," said McHugh today
“The allocations are provided by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government. Funding is primarily 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.
“The allocations reflect the high concentration of group water schemes and necessary improvement works still required in Donegal. I am pleased to confirm that Minister Alan Kelly also accepted 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.”