The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien today announced the commencement of a new funding scheme targeting the waste water collection and treatment needs of villages and settlements without access to public waste water services.
The scheme is funded by a €50 million commitment under the National Development Plan.
The announcement today by the Minister follows the completion of a review of villages and settlements that do not have access to public waste water infrastructure.
This work included consultation with stakeholders and a detailed survey completed by local authorities of villages and settlements in their area not serviced by waste water collection and treatment systems.
Wicklow Senator Pat Casey has welcomed the announcement by the Minister and said this will now ensure that several vital schemes in Wicklow can now be funded after being identified as in need of crucial upgrades.
“Some years ago I was successful in ensuring that Irish Water secured a ring fenced fund solely for the upgrade of waste water and water schemes in rural villages,” said Senator Casey. “These are vital not only for the sustainable development of many villages in Wicklow but for solutions to the housing supply crisis that effects all parts of our County.”
“I am delighted that this national fund has now been put in place and I expect that Wicklow can now apply and ensure that Aughrim, Tinahely, Shillelagh and Laragh schemes are funded as a matter of priority.
“This is a massive boost for the development of rural villages in Wicklow. I will continue to work with Minister O’Brien, the Department and Wicklow County Council to ensure the prompt delivery of this funding and to ensure that we grow this fund over the years to ensure that that other villages in Wicklow get access to essential upgrade works.”
