Nearly €15 million in funding awarded to various group water schemes across Clare
This significant investment is long overdue and will deliver targeted improvements to water infrastructure in local communities
A total of €14.7 million in funding has been awarded to 31 group water schemes across County Clare
Councillor Rita McInerney has welcomed the Government's announcement, calling it “a hugely positive step for rural water security and quality of life.”
This significant investment is long overdue and will deliver targeted improvements to water infrastructure in local communities, with several schemes in West Clare set to benefit substantially.
Cllr McInerney said, “I am particularly pleased to see large allocations for schemes in our own area such as Coolmeen Kildysart (€2.77m), Clohanmore-Clohanbeg (€1.27), Loophead (€1.37m), Moyasta (€1.37m) and Tullabrack (€1.07m),
“These upgrades will have a transformative impact on water supply, service reliability and public health in rural households and farms," she added.
The funding will also support mid-sized and smaller schemes including:
Leadmore Carnanes Group Water Scheme (GWS): €570,537
Glendine, Dunsallagh, Silverhill GWS Bundle: €1.77 million
Cree South Ballinagun GWS: €752,400
Kilmaley-Inagh GWS: €862,665 and €83,300
Lack West / Cahercanivan GWS: €326,876
Rahona East GWS: €167,200
The Fianna Fáil Councillor continued, “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 Éireann is resourced to manage the schemes into the future.
"I want to pay tribute to the committees who have worked so hard to maintain these schemes and to Clare County Council’s Rural Water team for their ongoing support and work in securing this funding," said Cllr McInerney.
She also highlighted that the allocations will help future-proof supplies against climate change pressures and support environmental protection goals.
“I will continue to advocate strongly for fair, sustained investment in rural infrastructure. Clean, reliable water is not a luxury – it is a basic right, and today’s (July 22) announcement is an important step towards ensuring that for every family and farm in County Clare," Ms McInerney concluded.