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Septic Tank Registration Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Questions (532, 533, 545)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

532. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the findings of the domestic waste water systems consultation which was carried out in early 2012; the number of submissions received to the consultation; if those who made a submission were supplied with details of the findings of the consultation and if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4213/13]

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Pat Deering

Question:

533. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the planning requirements for domestic waste water treatment systems that will be required resulting from the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012; and if legislation will deal with such requirements. [4218/13]

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Seán Fleming

Question:

545. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the new grant scheme for improvement works to domestic sewerage/waste water systems will be available to persons who have not registered by 1 February 2013; if expenditure incurred prior to this date to bring these systems up to the appropriate standard will be considered for grant purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4392/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 532, 533 and 545 together.

In 2012, my Department undertook public consultation on performance standards for domestic waste water treatment systems, including the requirements for operation, maintenance and desludging. Draft standards were published on 1 March 2012 together with an invitation for interested parties to make submissions as part of the consultation process. The invitation to participate in the consultation process clearly stated that it was not intended to reply to individual submissions.

In total, 165 submissions were received from members of the public, political representatives, public authorities, environmental groups, professional organisations and the water services industry. The submissions were carefully considered by my Department and by the EPA and informed the finalising of standards which were given legal effect in the Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012, which I signed on 26 June 2012. My Department is currently examining what amendments to the exempted development provisions of planning legislation may be necessary where the provision of improved on-site waste-water treatment and disposal systems arises as a result of inspections carried out under the 2012 legislation.  The necessary legislation will be in place in advance of inspections commencing this year.

I recently announced my intention to introduce a grant scheme to provide financial assistance to households whose septic tanks and other domestic wastewater treatment systems require remediation or upgrading following inspection under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012. Eligibility for support under the scheme will be confined to householders who have complied with the legal obligation to register their treatment systems by 1 February 2013 . Only expenditure incurred directly by an eligible householder as a result of an inspection under the 2012 Act and the subsequent issue of an advisory notice under that legislation will qualify. Full details of the scheme will be set out in regulations which I will make in advance of inspections commencing.

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