Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
343. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of septic tank inspections and the number of prosecutions for same in County Wexford since inspections started; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28391/20]
View answerUnder the Water Services Acts 2007 (as amended) and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012, the owner of a domestic waste water treatment system is responsible for its maintenance and renewal and shall ensure that its parts and components are fit for purpose, operational where appropriate and kept in good order and repair so as to prevent a risk to human health or environment.
Section 70K of the Water Services Act 2007 (as amended) requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prepare a national inspection plan with regard to the inspection and monitoring of domestic waste water treatment systems, and authorises the water authorities to implement the plan including arranging for inspections.
The EPA publishes an annual report on inspections and enforcement, the latest report for 2019 can be found on the EPA's website at the link below which maybe helpful to the Deputy.
https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/water/wastewater/dwwtsinspectionsandenforcement2019.html
