On Wednesday 23 July 2025, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage announced a €74 million capital investment under the third funding cycle of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (2024–2026). This allocation will support 291 projects across the country, with a significant portion directed toward group water schemes.
The funding follows the November MARWP announcement of over €47 million in funding for rural water service. The recent announcement is intended to address a range of infrastructural and environmental priorities, including improvements in drinking water quality, source protection, leakage reduction, etc. The programme also includes support for innovation and capacity-building within the rural water sector.
Applications were submitted by local authorities in collaboration with group water schemes and assessed by an independent Expert Panel. The panel’s recommendations informed the final funding decisions, which aim to balance technical merit, regional equity, and long-term sustainability.
Minister James Browne TD noted that the investment reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to rural communities, while Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan TD highlighted the potential for improved compliance and service reliability.
It is now over to the sector to progress the work as swiftly as possible. The NFGWS development officers are on hand to offer help and support to all members.
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes and its members still await 30 application to be assessed and the NFGWS will continue to engage with its members and government partners to ensure that the needs of rural water users are effectively represented and that the sector remains responsive to evolving environmental and regulatory demands.
For more information on the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (2024–2026) announcement please visit: Minister Browne announces €74 million capital investment funding for rural water services.
Full details of the projects approved for funding and the local authority concerned.
For additional information on funding of group water schemes and Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (2024–2026) announcements please click here.
