Mr Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State said that today’s allocation of EUR3.671 million to Clare under the 2009 Rural Water Programme would complement the work already undertaken to further improve the quality of drinking water in communities across the County.Minister Killeen stated that the grant aid would fund a wide range of schemes all over Clare that have been earmarked for improvement works under Clare County Council’s work programme for 2009. He added that the decrease on grant aid allocated during 2008 was explained by the significant upgrading works and construction projects that have already been undertaken and, in some cases, completed. “This year’s allocations are a well balanced package that will effectively drive forward the Action Plan to guarantee top quality drinking water supplies for all rural consumers and communities across Clare,” commented Minister Killeen.
The single biggest allocation of EUR1.96m is for the provision of new treatment facilities for Group Water Schemes (GWS) around Clare. Elsewhere, EUR675,000 is being provided for Small Public Water and Sewerage Schemes, EUR480,000 for the takeover of GWS by Clare Local Authorities, EUR360,000 for GWS Network upgrading works, EUR160,000 for new GWS and EUR36,000 for Minor Works on GWS Awaiting Substantial Upgrading. Minister Killeen said that the top priority in 2009 must remain on addressing water quality problems in the county’s privately sourced group water supplies.
“Clare’s allocation will ensure that the county will remain to the fore in the national drive to eliminate sub-standard rural water supplies. I especially wish to compliment Clare County Council in this regard as it has developed a very substantial programme of works that will lead to improved water supplies for people throughout the County”, he commented. Complimenting GWS personnel across Clare, the Minister said, “The headway made in dealing with substandard water supplies has only been possible through their hard work, dedication and spirit of partnership. I would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of group scheme activists who, for nearly half a century, have worked tirelessly for the betterment of their neighbours and communities.” The Rural Water Programme is funded under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013.
