Calls for extension of private well grant in Kerry amid water shortages

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry councillor has called for the extension of the private well grant following a series of water shortages in the county.

Councillor Brendan Cronin said the grant could help farmers and others have a secure, guaranteed source of water during extended spells of dry weather.

Grants are available under the Rural Water Programme and provide up to €5,000 and 85pc of approved costs of construction of a private well, as well as up to €3,000 for rehabilitation works.

However, the grant currently can only be used for domestic issues and is forbidden for non-domestic uses, such as farming.

“Having a pipe outside your property does not guarantee any source of water at the moment,” said Cllr Cronin.

“Ten fine days…and we have nothing.”

Water shortages have plagued the county in recent weeks, with some local reservoirs unable to keep up with increased demand spurred on by the hot weather.

Cllr Cronin highlighted the issues farmers were facing in attempting to keep their livestock watered.

He emphasised the potential danger of dehydrated animals, warning that they will ‘do anything’ to get water after 12 hours without any.

Cllr Cronin called on the government to look at extending the grant in order to provide ‘secure and guaranteed’ water to farmers and others in Kerry.

The scheme is administered by Kerry County Council’s housing department and the council’s rural water section will provide applications forms and further information.