A Laois village has been granted over €35,000 to protect water sources and prevent leakage.

The Cullohill Group Water Scheme has been awarded €35,165 through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024 to 2026.

Following the allocation of €157,752 in July 2025, and the allocation of €92,619 in 2024, the total funds dedicated towards this initiative now stands at €285,536.

Upgrades to the scheme, in collaboration with Laois County Council, is currently progressing.

Pictured: Government allocates €35k to improve water supply in Cullohill

Fianna Fáil Deputy Sean Fleming welcomed this news.

"Today’s announcement reflects my commitment to fund water provision to rural areas that do have access to Uisce Éireann services," Deputy Fleming told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Working with Minister James Browne, I want to ensure there is available funding for improved water services through this scheme. The homes served by Cullohill Group Water Scheme will benefit greatly from the investment to date under the Rural Water Programme to fund improvements to their water provision," he said.

The funding announced today brings to a conclusion the final phase of approvals under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024–2026.

To date, over €180 million has been approved nationally, across more than 550 projects, reflecting sustained Government investment in rural water services.

In January 2024, local authorities were invited to work with the rural water sector, particularly Group Water Schemes, to submit funding applications under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024–2026.

Applications for this funding were assessed through a two-stage evaluation process.

Stage one saw the assessment of eligibility under the programme’s terms and conditions.

Stage two saw an independent evaluation by an expert panel, which assessed projects against programme objectives and made funding recommendations to the Department for decision by the Minister.

Nearly 900 applications were received across nine funding measures and assessed by the Expert Panel.

The Panel, operating under an independent Chair, includes representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Uisce Éireann, independent rural water sector expertise, and technical specialists from the Department.

Due to the high volume of applications for funding received under the programme, and to enable projects to commence without delay, funding approvals were made on a phased basis.

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Prior to this announcement, funding of over €180 million had already been approved in three phases for more than 550 projects nationwide.

Cullohill's awarding is part of the final round of funding approvals under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024–2026.