Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
164. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine the administration of the recently enhanced domestic wastewater treatment system grant; and if applications are being selected randomly rather than on a priority basis from an environmental impact point of view. [8473/24]
View answerThe policy of providing grant funding for remedial work on domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTS) arises from the need to address damage being done to water quality in sensitive areas in particular.
The three grant schemes available to householders are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority and are not general in application.
Householders can avail of the grants if their DWWTS has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has been issued, or if the DWWTS is located in either a Prioritised Area for Action or a High Status Objective Catchment Area, as identified in the River Basin Management Plan
The changes which came into effect from 1 January 2024 are, an increase in the maximum grant amount available to €12,000, up from €5,000 and removal of a requirement to have had the septic tank registered in 2013.
The grants continue to be available only in circumstances relating to risks to water quality and/or human health. I have no plans to make further changes.
