Vol. 486 No. 1
674 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the policy, if any, which exists in relation to the siting and approval of sewage treatment facilities where the immediate hinterlands may not be serviced by such a facility. [1967/98]
The initiation and planning of sewage treatment facilities, including the location of these facilities, and the area to be serviced, is a matter for the proposing local authority. Where sewerage treatment facilities are to be located within the area of the local authority developing them, one of two procedures applies. Smaller facilities must generally comply with Part X of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 1994. In the case of proposed sewage treatment facilities with a capacity greater than 10,000 population equivalent, an environment impact assessment must be carried out in accordance with Part IX of the 1994 regulations. Where the sewage treatment facilities are to be located in the area of another local authority, planning permission must be obtained from that local authority and an EIA must be carried out, where appropriate. In considering proposals received from local authorities, it is a practice of my Department to assess the proposals in relation to the extent of drainage area(s) covered and cost.
