The Government has approved an increase in funding for rural wastewater projects under Measure A8 of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, raising the total allocation from €50.9 million to €65.2 million. Measure A8, introduced in 2022 as a pilot initiative, aims to trial wastewater solutions for villages and small settlements without public wastewater services and to inform future national policy. Following reassessment by Uisce Éireann and local authorities, the additional €14.3 million will allow projects in Wexford, Galway, Clare, Kerry, and Sligo to proceed.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will now contribute €59.3 million, up from €45 million, to cover the increased project costs, complementing €5.9 million in co-funding from local authorities. Once completed, the wastewater infrastructure will transfer to Uisce Éireann for long-term operation and maintenance, while local councils will lead project delivery.
Minister James Browne highlighted that the funding increase follows thorough assessments with local authorities and Uisce Éireann, emphasizing the importance of delivering modern, sustainable wastewater services for these rural communities. He noted that the projects will support both existing homes and future housing growth, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to sustainable rural development.
Minister of State for Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan described the projects as a major milestone for rural villages, stating that they will improve water quality, safeguard public health, and provide essential evidence to inform future national wastewater policy.
Project-specific allocations include Galway’s Clarinbridge and Craughwell, with funding increasing from €21.9 million to €29.9 million; Ramsgrange in Wexford from €4.3 million to €8.1 million; Broadford in Clare from €7.3 million to €8 million; Cooraclare in Clare at €5.7 million; Beaufort in Kerry from €6.7 million to €7 million; and Ballygawley in Sligo from €4.5 million to €6.5 million. Across all seven projects, total funding now stands at €65.2 million, marking a significant boost to rural wastewater infrastructure.
