An investment of €175 million to improve drinking water quality, resilience and reliability for rural communities across Ireland has been announced by Minister for Housing James Browne and Minister of State with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan.
The support forms part of the Capital Funding Programme for the Rural Water Sector 2027-2029.
The new programme builds on Government investment in the rural water sector in recent years and commitment to improving rural water services.
The next cycle of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) will support investment in group water schemes over the period 2027-2029.
Eight funding measures aimed at improving water services for communities that are not connected to Uisce Éireann networks are available under the programme.
It will help ensure that rural communities continue to have access to high-quality drinking water, while supporting the long-term sustainability of community-managed water services, according to the Department of Housing.
Enhancements
The new programme introduces a number of important enhancements, such as increased funding limits, a stronger focus on innovation and climate resilience and a new online application system.
The maximum grant available per household has increased from €15,000 to €20,000, to help schemes to meet rising costs and infrastructure requirements.
Local authorities are invited to partner with Group Water Schemes in developing and submitting applications for funding under the programme, with the application process opening on 27 July 2026.
“The Multi-annual Rural Water Programme is a vital investment in ensuring safe, secure and resilient water services for rural communities and will help group water schemes continue to provide supplies while investing in the renewal and modernisation of their infrastructure for future generations,” Minister Browne commented.
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