TWENTY TWO GROUP WATER schemes in Clare not connected to Uisce Éireann’s public network have been allocated €14.7m.
On Tuesday, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne (FF) confirmed an allocation of €14,708,844 for Clare under the latest funding round in the Rural Water Programme 2024-2026, which has seen €74 million announced nationwide.
Clare has received almost twenty percent of the entire national allocation. The funding will support the taking in charge of 19 Group Water Schemes to Uisce Éireann and the implementation of water conservation, leakage reduction, and prevention measures at three other schemes.
Among the largest allocations are €2.77 million for the Coolmeen–Kildysart scheme, €1.78 million for the Glendine, Dunsallagh and Silverhill Bundle, €1.37 million for Loop Head, €1.27 million for Clohanmore–Clohanbeg, €1.07 million for Tullabrack, €1.06 million for Moyasta, and €752,400 for Cree South. Further funding includes €326,876 for Ballinagun, Lack West and Cahercanivan, €677,776 for Portdrine, €570,537 for Leadmore–Carnanes, €512,050 for Ardeamush–Fernhill, €282,150 for Leagard South, and €172,480 for Gleninagh–Ballyvaughan.
A number of smaller Group Water Schemes will also be taken in charge, including those at Rahona East, Roo West, Woodpark/Cappaduff, Doonyvarden, Knocknagoug, and Islandbawn/Lackamore (Lahinch).
In addition, almost €1.6 million is being allocated for water conservation, leakage reduction and prevention measures on three Group Water Schemes: Drumeevin–Inchovea, Kilmaley–Inagh, and Toonagh–Dysart.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said it was “much-needed funding”. He stated, “Local Group Water Schemes are run by volunteers, and they give a huge amount of time to ensure the scheme works properly. It can be time consuming and costly to run schemes and yet the schemes are a key enabler to the provision of housing in rural areas”.
He added, “Going forward, Irish Water need to be more proactive in taking these schemes in charge. It cannot always be left to a volunteer committee that was set up in the 1980s or 1990s to run a scheme several decades later. This funding lays the groundwork for sustainable growth in both regional hubs and smaller towns a villages. As we continue to deliver on our housing commitments infrastructure like this is essential to ensure even greater housing delivery”.
Deputy Joe Cooney TD (FG) said the investment marks a significant step forward in improving rural water services in Clare, supporting quality, sustainability, and long-term management for communities across the county. “This significant investment in our rural water infrastructure is a major step forward for communities across Clare. The GWS Committees work tirelessly to maintain and constantly seek improvements to their schemes, and this funding will greatly assist them in their efforts.”
“The funding allocated to water quality improvements on the Kilmaley–Inagh Group Water Scheme, Ireland’s largest, will have a profound impact on customers by ensuring safer, more reliable water supply and reducing losses through leakage prevention,” he added. “I will continue to keep the pressure on for the delivery of funding for infrastructure that will support development of housing, businesses and sustainable communities across the county”.
Welcoming the large allocation received in West Clare, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) commented, “This funding recognises the essential role of Group Water Schemes in rural Ireland. These schemes are volunteer led, reflecting the community spirit and resourcefulness that exists. However, this is often not sustainable in the long term and many of these schemes will be required to be taken in charge by Uisce Eireann once they are brought up to standard through this investment and Uisce Eireann is resourced to manage the schemes into the future”.
