Grant Support
Grants for Water Well Drilling in Ireland
Grant support may be available for certain water well, water supply and related improvement works in Ireland. The type of support available depends on the property, the reason for the work, the local authority area and the specific scheme requirements in place at the time of application.
Harte Well Drilling can help customers understand the practical drilling and water supply information that may be needed when planning a project. Grant applications and approvals are handled by the relevant local authority or scheme provider, so customers should always confirm eligibility before work begins.
PRIVATE WELL SUPPORT
Domestic Well Grant
The main grant relevant to private household wells is the Domestic Well Grant, also known as the Well Grant Scheme. This grant is designed to assist households in rural areas that depend on a private well for their domestic water supply.
The scheme may apply where a household needs to:
- Drill a new well
- Improve or rehabilitate an existing well
- Install water treatment to improve water quality
- Address an insufficient domestic water supply
CHECKING GRANT ELIGIBILITY
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility can vary, but the grant is generally aimed at households where the private water supply does not meet the required quality standards, or where the quantity of water is not sufficient for the household’s domestic needs.
In general, the property should be the applicant’s normal place of residence, should not be able to connect to Uisce Éireann or a group water scheme, and should meet the age and previous grant conditions set out by the scheme. Holiday homes are not normally eligible.
Customers should check the current criteria with their local authority before making decisions or starting work.
GRANT AMOUNTS AND APPROVED COSTS
How Much Grant Support May Be Available?
Subject to approval, the Well Grant Scheme may provide support towards approved costs for certain works, including:
- Rehabilitation of an existing well
- Provision of a new well
- Water quality treatment works
Grant levels, maximum amounts and minimum thresholds can change, so customers should confirm the current figures with their local authority before applying.
THE PROCESS
How the Process Usually Works
A typical process may include:
- Contacting the Rural Water section of the local authority.
- Checking eligibility before starting any works.
- Completing the required application form and supplying any supporting information.
- Waiting for approval before proceeding, where required by the scheme.
- Carrying out the approved works.
- Supplying completion documentation required by the local authority.
Harte Well Drilling can support customers with the practical information needed for the drilling and water supply elements of the project.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT MAY APPLY
Other Grant and Support Options
Depending on the nature of the project, other schemes or supports may also be relevant. These can include rural development supports, agricultural schemes, local authority supports, or SEAI grants for renewable heating systems where geothermal drilling forms part of a wider ground source heat pump project.
The availability and suitability of these schemes depends on the customer, the property and the type of work involved. Customers should seek up-to-date advice from the relevant authority, agricultural advisor, SEAI-registered contractor or scheme provider.
RENEWABLE HEATING SUPPORTS
Geothermal and Renewable Energy Grants
For customers considering geothermal drilling as part of a ground source heating system, SEAI supports may be relevant. These grants relate to eligible heat pump systems and the wider heating upgrade, rather than drilling alone.
Grant approval, technical requirements and contractor requirements should be checked with SEAI or the relevant registered heating contractor before any works begin.
