Government launches €175m rural water funding programme
Wednesday 29 July 2026
A new €175 million Capital Funding Programme has been launched to upgrade rural water infrastructure outside the Uisce Éireann network.
The Government has launched a €175 million capital funding programme to upgrade rural water infrastructure and community-managed water services outside the national network.
Announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan TD, the initiative represents the next phase of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP). The funding is intended to improve drinking water quality, increase infrastructure resilience, and support the long-term sustainability of community-run services.
The programme features eight funding measures designed to target key areas of water management, including network expansion, infrastructure renewal, conservation, water quality, and climate resilience. Funding will be allocated across several project types, such as:
- Treatment plant upgrades and source protection measures
- Leakage reduction and mains rehabilitation
- New and extended water schemes
- Direct connections to existing Uisce Éireann infrastructure
- Pilot projects demonstrating innovative technologies
Notably, the maximum grant available per household under the scheme has been increased from €15,000 to €20,000. This adjustment has been introduced to help address rising construction costs.
Applications are now open, and local authorities are being asked to collaborate directly with Group Water Schemes to prepare and submit development proposals.