Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
436. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the consideration that he has explored to extend and review the septic tank grant to ensure upgrades can be availed of for defective tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37720/22]
View answerUnder the Water Services Acts 2007 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 should ensure that its parts and components are fit for purpose, operational where appropriate, kept in good order and repair so as to prevent a risk to human health or the environment.
My Department provides financial assistance towards the remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or the replacement of a domestic waste water treatment system under new and revised grant schemes which launched in June 2020. The schemes are focused on areas of greatest environmental priority rather than general in application. This is in line with Government Policy which is framed in the context of meeting relevant obligations under legislation. The grant schemes are administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department.
In June 2020 the maximum percentage of approved costs was increased from 75% to 85%, subject to the total maximum grant paid of €5,000 for upgrades and replacements of domestic waste water treatment systems.
Further details can be found on my Department’s website at the link below, or from each local authority.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/a524a-group-water-schemes-and-rural-water-issues/#capital-funding-for-group-schemes-and-community-water-and-waste-water-connections
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of these grant schemes, to ensure their continued alignment with policy objectives. The review is ongoing and is expected to be completed by year end.
