Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his Department have set out guidelines appertaining to the prevention of potential pollution by applicants for planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10978/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current standard for domestic effluent treatment and disposal from single dwelling houses is set out in Recommendation SR6: 1991, which was drawn up by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and which was issued by my Department by way of circular letter to each planning authority on 8 January 1992. In another circular letter of 31 July 2003 on groundwater protection and the planning system, guidance was given on best practice in regard to development plan policies and development control and enforcement standards and practices to ensure protection of groundwater quality. I am generally satisfied that planning authorities bring these requirements substantively to the attention of prospective applicants for planning permission.
The Environmental Protection Agency has published a draft manual on treatment systems for single houses in 2000 which was designed to help planning authorities, builders and others to deal with the complexities of on-site systems, including packaged systems. I understand that the EPA is currently reviewing the draft manual in the light of comments received from interested parties. My intention is to call up the revised EPA manual, when available, in technical guidance document H — Drainage and Waste Water Disposal — on the national building regulations. I also understand that the National Standards Authority of Ireland intends, at that stage, to withdraw SR6: 1991 in favour of the revised manual.
As well as complying with the requirements of the planning code, applicants for planning permissions may, particularly in the case of larger developments, be required to comply with a range of legislation relating to the prevention of pollution, including the Water Pollution Acts 1977 and 1990, the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2003 and the Air Pollution Act 1987. Many larger developments may also be required to comply with the integrated pollution prevention and control licensing system under the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 and 2003.
