09/05/2012

Executive Endorsement For Private Bore Wells Scheme Secured

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has secured the Executive’s agreement for a grant scheme that could benefit isolated rural households without access to mains water.

Grants for a bore well will be available to owners and landlords of domestic properties, not served by a mains water supply. The new scheme is expected to open this summer and run for four years, subject to demand.

The 'Rural Bore Wells Scheme' is developed and funded by the Department for Regional Development, (DRD). The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will administer the scheme through the, ‘Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework’.

The overall cost of the scheme will depend on the uptake but the maximum cost per dwelling is estimated to be around £10,000.

Mr Kennedy said: "This initiative could benefit isolated rural dwellings not currently served by a water main. This innovative cross-departmental scheme will help provide affordable access to a wholesome water supply for those who are outside the reach of the public network.

"Working with our colleagues in the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development this scheme can help address longstanding concerns about isolated dwellings where the cost of extending the mains network is prohibitive."

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 April 2002
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
09 November 2020
Major Investment In County Antrim Rural Tourism
Tourism in County Antrim is to benefit from an investment of £1.5 million, Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has announced. The Minister has cut the first sod on a project at Magheracross viewpoint. Situated on the Causeway Coast Way, a walking trail stretching from Portstewart to Ballycastle will receive £0.5million to be redeveloped.
23 July 2014
£623m Allocated For Rural Development Programme
A budget of £623m has been allocated for the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020, it has been announced. Rural Minister Michelle O’Neill has said the 2014-2020 RDP budget would be allocated across three specific areas: protecting the rural environment, developing rural economies and competitiveness of agriculture.
07 March 2013
NI Businesswomen Celebrated
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, a publication has been launched which will feature a range of Northern Irish women who have started their own successful businesses. The publication was announced by Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill.
23 May 2011
NI's Top Village Sought
The search is on for Northern Ireland's leading small community with the launch of the Calor Village Of The Year competition. A share in a £12,000 prize fund is on offer in the initiative, which is being run in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council, celebrates dynamic, enterprising and caring rural communities.