Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2010
316 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to monitor the process of waste at a plant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48003/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe facility in question operates under an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) licence granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An IPPC licence is a single integrated licence which covers all emissions from the facility and its environmental management. The monitoring and enforcement of conditions attaching to IPPC licences, including materials handling, are a matter for the EPA. Under the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 to 2007, I am precluded from exercising any power in relation to the performance by the EPA of its licensing functions in specific cases.
317 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the need for better regulation of septic tanks and other effluent treatment systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48004/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraReports by the Environmental Protection Agency have identified septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems as a potential source of water pollution, particularly of groundwater which is an important source of drinking water for many people; this is particularly the case in areas with sensitive environments or high densities of on-site systems. Primary responsibility for the prevention of pollution from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems rests with owners or occupiers of premises served by such systems.
The Government has given a commitment to progress the introduction of a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. In October 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that Ireland failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic wastewater from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation is required to give effect to a new inspection and monitoring system for septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.
My Department has been considering how a monitoring and inspection system should operate and comprehensive consultation with key stakeholders has recently been undertaken with the co-operation of the National Rural Water Services Committee. The submissions received are currently under review and will inform the draft legislation required and which the Government will consider early next year.
318 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide an update on the report carried out in respect of the costs of Poolbeg Incinerator, when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48005/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report of the authorised officer appointed pursuant to section 224 of the Local Government Act 2001 has been submitted to me. I am considering its findings and the issue of publication, in consultation with the Attorney General.
