Bernard Allen
Ceist:222 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will increase grant assistance for group sewerage schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17600/02]
Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.
The national rural water monitoring committee has recommended a pilot programme by local authorities to test a range of new, small-scale wastewater collection and treatment systems, based on design-build-operate, DBO, procurement, as a means of meeting the requirements of small rural communities. My Department has accepted the recommendation and expressions of interest will be sought shortly by the relevant local authorities for the provision of such facilities at some 12 locations around the country.
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 and any review of the associated grants must await the results of the pilot programme.