Clare TD Joe Cooney has welcomed the allocation of €14.8 million to County Clare for investment in rural water infrastructure and the support of Group Water Schemes (GWS) not connected to Uisce Éireann’s public network.
Deputy Cooney noted that the allocation represents almost one-fifth of the €74 million total approved nationally under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024–2026. The funding will support the taking in charge of 19 Group Water Schemes and the implementation of water conservation, leakage reduction, and prevention measures at three other schemes.
Among the largest allocations are €2.77 million for the Coolmeen–Kildysart scheme, €1.78 million for the Glendine, Dunsallagh and Silverhill Bundle, €1.37 million for Loop Head, €1.27 million for Clohanmore–Clohanbeg, €1.07 million for Tullabrack, €1.06 million for Moyasta, and €752,400 for Cree South. Further funding includes €326,876 for Ballinagun, Lack West and Cahercanivan, €677,776 for Portdrine, €570,537 for Leadmore–Carnanes, €512,050 for Ardeamush–Fernhill, €282,150 for Leagard South, and €172,480 for Gleninagh–Ballyvaughan.
A number of smaller Group Water Schemes will also be taken in charge, including those at Rahona East, Roo West, Woodpark/Cappaduff, Doonyvarden, Knocknagoug, and Islandbawn/Lackamore (Lahinch).
In addition, almost €1.6 million is being allocated for water conservation, leakage reduction and prevention measures on three Group Water Schemes: Drumeevin–Inchovea, Kilmaley–Inagh, and Toonagh–Dysart.
Deputy Cooney said the investment marks a significant step forward in improving rural water services in Clare, supporting quality, sustainability, and long-term management for communities across the county.
He continued, “This significant investment in our rural water infrastructure is a major step forward for communities across Clare. The GWS Committees work tirelessly to maintain and constantly seek improvements to their schemes, and this funding will greatly assist them in their efforts.”
“The funding allocated to water quality improvements on the Kilmaley–Inagh Group Water Scheme, Ireland’s largest, will have a profound impact on customers by ensuring safer, more reliable water supply and reducing losses through leakage prevention,” added Deputy Cooney.
“I will continue to keep the pressure on for the delivery of funding for infrastructure that will support development of housing, businesses and sustainable communities across the county,” he concluded.