Impact of Storm Éowyn on group water schemes being assessed
A full assessment of the effect of Storm Éowyn on group water schemes across the country is currently underway.
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), the national representative body for the community-owned group water schemes, is leading the initiative.
Over 400 group water schemes are NFGWS affiliated members, to whom the federation provides support services, such as advice, mentoring and training.
Group water schemes provide potable drinking water to over 200,000 people across rural Ireland.
In a recent parliamentary question, Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith asked if grant aid will be provided for group water schemes to facilitate the installation of generators.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said this was following the difficulties that have arisen with power outages in the recent storm.
In response, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne noted that group water schemes are community-owned and community-run enterprises.
The minister said that he has "no function in their day-to-day management or operation".
"However, my department does work in partnership with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), who are the national representative body, to support the group water scheme sector.
"I can confirm that my department worked very closely alongside the NFGWS and with local authorities and individual group water schemes to minimise the difficulties arising from the impact of Storm Éowyn on group water schemes.
"A full assessment of the effect of the recent storm on group water schemes is underway, led by the NFGWS, which will include lessons learned that will inform future approaches and needs," he said.
Minister Browne said that once the assessment is completed his department will then consider the findings and any recommendations which are made.
