Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
162. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the areas in Tipperary that are covered for grants for septic tanks; if he intends to increase the areas mapped to allow a larger geographical area to avail of the grants in order to ensure the grants have a full impact in terms of environmental protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50358/23]
View answerThere are currently three grant schemes available to householders relating to Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS) commonly known as Septic Tank Grants. The purpose of the grants is to provide financial assistance to households to carry out works to defective septic tanks.
The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority to protect human health and the environment, and are not general in application.
Grants are available for households with septic tanks in Prioritised Areas for Action and High Status Objective Catchment Areas under the River Basin Management Plan.
Further information on the areas covered can be found in the River Basin Management Plan at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/429a79-river-basin-management-plan-2018-2021/?referrer=http://www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-quality/river-basin-management-plans/river-basin-management-plan-natura-impact-statement
I can confirm that my Department is currently finalising the third cycle of the River Basin Management Plan which will include confirmation of the areas for action. It is expected that the new Plan will be launched in the coming months.
I recently announced changes to all three grants, increasing the value of funding available to households to €12,000, up from €5,000, and removing the qualifying condition that the owner must have registered their septic tank with the local authority. These changes will come into effect from 1 January 2024.
