Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
161. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, in relation to grants for septic tank improvements, he plans to increase the numbers of inspections available nationwide, in order that those who need an inspection can get one to avail of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50357/23]
View answerMy Department provides financial support through the domestic waste water treatment system (DWWTS) grant schemes to assist householders carry out works to their defective septic tanks. The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority to protect human health and the environment. They include a grant for necessary works where an advisory notice has been issued after an inspection under the National Inspection Plan.
The changes I recently announced to the grants are to increase the maximum grant level available to €12,000 (up from €5,000) and remove a requirement for the historical registration of the DWWTS with the local authority in order to be eligible for a grant.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required, under the Water Services Act 2007, to prepare a national inspection plan for the inspection and monitoring of DWWTS. Local authorities implement the plan on behalf of the EPA. The EPA publishes an annual report on inspections, copies of which, along with the National Inspection Plan 2022-2026, can be found on the EPA's website at the following link:
www.epa.ie/publications/compliance--enforcement/waste-water /.
The current plan details the minimum number of inspections required to be carried out from 2023, which at 1,200 is increased from 1,000 in 2022.
