The government has launched a programme to provide funding of €175 million to improve the quality of drinking water in rural communities.

The Capital Funding Programme for the Rural Water Sector 2027-2029 was announced today (Monday, July 27) by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne and Minister of State for nature Christopher O'Sullivan.

The initiative is part of the wider Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP). Eight funding measures under the programme are now open for applications.

According to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the aim of the initiative is to target improvements in drinking water quality, resilience and reliability in rural areas.

The eight funding measures are aimed at improving water services for communities that are not connected to Uisce Éireann networks.

According to the department, the programme will support communities that rely on group water schemes by investing in "safe, reliable and resilient water services, helping to protect public health and improve water quality".

It will also help ensure that rural communities continue to have access to high-quality drinking water while supporting the long-term sustainability of community-managed water services, the department said.

The new programme introduces a number of enhancements, developed following engagement with stakeholders, in particular the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) and local authorities. 

These include increased funding limits, a stronger focus on innovation and climate resilience, and a new online application system.

The department said these changes are designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Group Water Schemes; improve value for public investment; support consistent decision-making across the sector; and make the application process more efficient.

The maximum grant available per household has increased from €15,000 to €20,000.

The programme also aims to encourages innovative approaches to addressing water quality challenges, particularly those associated with climate change and changing environmental conditions.

The department has introduced a new online application system to provide a "more streamlined, consistent and user-friendly process" for funding applications and assessments.

Guidance and supporting documentation have also been developed to assist local authorities and group water schemes in preparing proposals.

Local authorities are invited to partner with group water schemes in developing and submitting applications for funding under the programme, with the application process open as of today.

The department said it will work closely with local authorities and the NFGWS to support the development of funding proposals and the delivery of projects.

The eight measures under the programme cover the following area:

Source protection;
Treatment improvements;
Amalgamation/rationalisation;
Infrastructure and conservation;
Extensions and new schemes;
Taking-in-charge (supporting the transfer of schemes to Uisce Éireann where this would be the more sustainable long-term solution);
Community connections;
Innovation projects.

Commenting on the programme, Minister Browne said: "The Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme is a vital investment in ensuring safe, secure and resilient water services for rural communities and will help Group Water Schemes continue to provide supplies while investing in the renewal and modernisation of their infrastructure for future generations.

"The government is working hard to fund improvements to water services across the country, especially services to rural areas. The €175 million announced today is very much part of that commitment and it will support rural communities to thrive as places to live and work," Minister Browne added.