James Leonard
Question:62 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for the Environment the result of trials which were carried out on the reed bed sewerage system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4629/97]
Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.
A limited number of local authority proposals involving the use of reed bed systems have been carried out to date and further projects have been approved to go to construction. These projects will be monitored by the local authorities concerned. While experience with these projects is limited, initial indications are that the reed bed system will prove to be a viable and effective method of meeting the waste water needs of small rural communities where circumstances are suitable for this method of treatment.
Brendan Smith
Question:65 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any proposals to allocate funds to households who have to install a single house mechanical treatment plant for sewerage treatment in view of the fact the average capital cost of such a plant is approximately £4,000 and that the household also have to meet the running and maintenance costs; his views on whether such households are now receiving equal treatment with city dwellers following the abolition of service charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5005/97]
Trevor Sargent
Question:66 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to address the problem of ageing, overloaded, malfunctioning and inadequate septic tanks for treating sewage throughout the country; and if he will favour grant aiding or requesting the Government to give tax allowances to householders unable to afford the necessary remedial works for such septic tanks. [5014/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
There are no proposals to provide public funds or tax allowances in respect of the costs of these facilities.