A MINISTER of State warned yesterday that “draconian” measures may have to be taken against group water schemes which continue to provide poor quality drinking water.
On a visit to Mayo, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment Michael Kitt said errant schemes “must face up to their responsibilities”. Otherwise local authorities would use the powers now available to them, he said.
Mr Kitt was in Mayo to open new treatment plants for Ballycroy and Fahy group water schemes.
Announcing that €100 million would be spent on improving drinking water quality in community-owned group water schemes, Mr Kitt said: “It would be regrettable if draconian measures have to be taken to convince groups to avail of one of the most generous grants packages ever available.”
Grants of up to 100 per cent of cost are available to schemes installing new facilities.
There are some 5,500 group schemes throughout the Republic providing drinking water for more than 170,000 households, as well as for farms and businesses.
Ballycroy Group Water Scheme, where Mr Kitt opened a new treatment plant yesterday, was at the centre of proceedings taken by the EU Commission over Irish water quality problems.
The Minister said the €100 million allocated for 2009 will bring “to the threshold of completion” an action plan to improve rural water supplies that had been adopted in response to the EU proceedings.
Local authorities have been given powers under the Drinking Water Regulations and the 2007 Water Services Act to take decisive action against schemes that are not compliant with standards.
Galway County Council will get the largest allocation – €16,253,000 – followed by:
Mayo (€12,365,000);
Roscommon (€8,581,000);
Leitrim (€4,525,000);
Cavan (€4,460,000);
Clare (€3,671,000) and
Donegal (€3,402,000).
In total, 28 councils are receiving funding under the 2009 Rural Network Programme.