Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
143. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the consideration he has given to extending and reviewing the septic tank grant to ensure upgrades can be availed of for defective tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38556/21]
View answerFollowing on from the recommendations contained in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services report in April 2017, the Rural Water Working Group was established to conduct a review of the wider resources and investment needs relating to the rural water sector.
As part of its work, the Working Group recommended a number of revisions to the existing grant scheme that provided support towards the remediation, repair, or upgrading works to, or the replacement of, domestic waste water treatment systems. It was further recommended that financial assistance be expanded to support the attainment of water quality objectives in what are called ‘high status objective catchment’ water areas and ‘prioritised areas for action’, as identified in the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021.
The new and revised grant schemes to support the remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or the replacement of a domestic waste water treatment system opened for applications on 4 June 2020. The schemes are administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department.
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant scheme after at least one year of operation to ensure its continued alignment with policy objectives. The specifics of this review have not yet been formalised, however, it is anticipated that relevant stakeholders will be consulted e.g. local authorities, EPA, etc., as appropriate. In considering an indicative timeframe for the review, consideration will be given to the most appropriate period in order to ensure best engagement from relevant stakeholders.
