Jim Higgins
Ceist:82 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to introduce a scheme for the replacement and improvement of defective septic tanks. [22825/01]
Vol. 543 No. 2
82 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to introduce a scheme for the replacement and improvement of defective septic tanks. [22825/01]
Under the rural water programme grants of up to £1,600, 2,032, per house are available from local authorities for the provision of private sewage collection and disposal facilities by way of group sewerage scheme. I have no proposals at present to introduce a grant for the replacement of existing septic tanks by individual householders.
The national rural water monitoring committee has reported to my Department with proposals for meeting the wastewater treatment and collection needs of small rural communities. The report recommends a pilot programme to test a range of new, small scale collection and treatment systems based on design, build, operate, DBO, procurement by local authorities. It also anticipates that the range of operations and services provided by DBO contractors would include the desludging of septic tanks and the treatment and disposal of sludges from all types of domestic wastewater treatment systems within the locality. I have approved the committee's recommendation and contract documents are currently being prepared for the pilot programme.
Subject to a satisfactory outcome to the pilot testing, the report envisages a potential role for group sewerage schemes in the collection of domestic wastewater from households outside the immediate catchment of the new treatment systems. The confirmation of such a role for group sewerage schemes must await the results of the pilot programme.
83 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will implement the national hazardous waste management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/01]
131 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the timetable for the implementation of the national hazardous waste management strategy published by the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26671/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 131 together.