€803,347 Funding Boost for Cork's Rural Water Schemes

Nine group water schemes across Cork will share €803,347 in government funding to improve water quality and infrastructure for 375 rural households, Minister Christopher O'Sullivan announced today.

The allocation forms part of a €74 million national investment under the Rural Water Programme 2024-2026, targeting essential upgrades to water infrastructure in communities without access to the public water network.

The largest single allocation of €587,936 goes to Glenacarney Group Water Scheme, whilst other beneficiaries include schemes in Ballyguyroe-Tankardstown, Castlepark, Clonmult, and several combined schemes serving multiple townlands.

Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan:

"Having safe and secure water is fundamental to rural communities' quality of life and as places to live, visit and establish business in. This funding will help to improve water quality compliance, decrease leakage and expand the coverage of access to piped water from the public network for rural communities. This funding will make a real difference to people living in these areas of Cork."

The funding addresses critical areas including water source protection, compliance with quality standards, and leakage reduction. Local authorities worked closely with group water schemes and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes to develop applications, which underwent assessment by an independent Expert Panel.

This investment builds on previous allocations, including €45 million announced in December 2023 for wastewater treatment in villages without public services, and €47 million distributed in November 2024 for 256 other rural water projects.

The programme encompasses several key measures: source protection to safeguard water supplies, water quality compliance through treatment facility upgrades, water conservation to reduce leakage, extensions to existing schemes, and the taking-in-charge of schemes by Uisce Éireann.

For Cork's rural communities, particularly those in areas like Clonmult, Graigue, and the combined schemes serving townlands from Scarteen to Lissacrue, this funding represents vital infrastructure investment that will ensure reliable, safe water supplies for years to come.