Minister Browne approves additional funding of €14.3 million for wastewater improvements in local communities
- Published on: 28 November 2025
- Last updated on: 28 November 2025
Across all seven projects, the total project funding has increased from €50.9 million to €65.2 million
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister James Browne TD, today announced Government approval for increased funding to deliver rural wastewater projects through Measure A8 of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme.
Measure A8 was introduced in 2022 as a pilot initiative to trial wastewater solutions for villages and small settlements without public wastewater services, with the aim of informing future national policy. In December 2023, total funding of €50.9 million was approved for projects under this programme.
Following a detailed reassessment by Uisce Éireann and the participating local authorities, the Government has now approved an additional €14.3 million. The revised project costs funding of €65.2 million will allow projects located in Wexford (Ramsgrange), Galway (Clarinbridge and Craughwell), Clare (Broadford and Cooraclare), Kerry (Beaufort) and Sligo (Ballygawley) to proceed.
The Department will now contribute €59.3 million (increased from €45 million) to meet additional project costs – adding to the original co-funding commitments from local authorities totalling €5.9 million.
Once completed, the new wastewater infrastructure will transfer to Uisce Éireann for their ownership and long-term operation and maintenance.
Minister for Housing James Browne TD emphasised:
“I have increased funding for projects after further assessment between the local authorities and Uisce Eireann in each area. I want shovels in the ground to get these delivered for people in these local areas who need their schemes dealt with. Uisce Eireann will own and operate once complete, but each council will lead, manage and deliver locally. We have worked to collaborate with councils in each area, and they are co-funding the scheme, with an additional uplift now from the Department announced today.
“These projects will provide modern, sustainable wastewater services for communities that have not had access to such infrastructure, supporting both existing homes and future housing growth.
“It is further demonstration of this Governments commitment to the sustainability of rural communities and I hope to build further on the lessons we learn from this work.”
Minister of State for Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, added:
“These projects represent a major milestone in tackling the long standing wastewater needs in rural villages. They will improve water quality, safeguard public health and provide essential evidence to inform future national policy.”
The new infrastructure, once completed, will support existing and future housing needs and growth, while enhancing environmental protection and supporting the sustainability of these rural communities.
- Galway – Clarinbridge & Craughwell: For Clarinbridge & Craughwell, County Galway, the total project funding has increased from €21.9 million to €29.9 million (being advanced as one project).
- Wexford – Ramsgrange: For Ramsgrange, County Wexford, the total project funding has increased from €4.3 million to €8.1 million.
- Clare – Broadford: For Broadford, County Clare, the total project funding has increased from €7.3 million to €8 million.
- Clare – Cooraclare: For Cooraclare, County Clare, the total project funding is €5.7 million.
- Kerry – Beaufort: For Beaufort, County Kerry, the total project funding has increased from €6.7 million to €7 million.
- Sligo – Ballygawley: For Ballygawley, County Sligo, the total project funding has increased from €4.5 million to €6.5 million.
Overall national position: Across all seven projects, the total project funding has increased from €50.9 million to €65.2 million.
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