Local Authority Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2014

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Questions (20)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

20. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the length of time local councils have after spending money on grants for the upgrade of private wastewater systems to make a claim to his Department to recoup this money; if local councils have to indicate to his Department at regular intervals the total amount of grants they are approving; and if so, at what intervals, and the amount that has been approved to date; the systems put in place by his Department to monitor the operation of this grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19452/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I understand the question relates to grants payable by local authorities under the Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2013.

The Regulations provide that, subject to the applicant meeting all qualification criteria, a local authority may pay a grant to a person who is required, following an inspection, to have repairs or upgrades to, or replacement of, a septic tank or other domestic waste water treatment system.

There is currently no time limit for submission of recoupment claims to my Department by the local authorities in respect of any grants they have paid under the regulations. When submitting claims, the authorities are required to provide details of the amounts paid, including the name and address of the person to whom paid and the nature and cost of the works carried out.

Given that responsibility for administering the scheme is devolved to local authorities they are not required to indicate at regular intervals the total amount of grants they are approving. The administration of the scheme will be kept under review and monitored, as necessary, as the level of grant requirements become clearer.