Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2012
12Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the correspondence he has had with the European Commission in relation to the newly published draft standards for septic tank inspections, the risk based inspection process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13203/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1 March 2012 I published a consultation document which sets out the proposed standards for the operation and maintenance of septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems. The consultation process will be open until Friday, 30 March and submissions can be made to my Department on the proposed standards before they are given legal effect. It is my intention, subject to the outcome of this consultation process, to include the standards in regulations to be made under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012.
My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission on the steps necessary to comply with the October 2009 European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland regarding domestic waste water from septic tanks and Ireland's obligations under the EU waste directive. A copy of the draft performance standards has been provided to the European Commission.
The Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012, together with the regulations I am proposing to make, are key measures to achieve compliance with the court ruling and to avoid the imposition of financial penalties by the court. The court is due to consider an application for the imposition of fines and penalties on this matter later this year.
Is the Minister aware that Professor Tol, a former environmental economist with the ESRI, has cast doubt on whether the risk-based inspections will be upheld by the Commission? He talks about the need for inspections to be periodic.
I am surprised the Deputy would take his advice from Professor Tol who said it would cost €800 to put a water meter in a house. He has got a number of things wrong. He is no longer working for the ESRI. I am sure the Deputy will agree that not everybody who presents himself or herself as having such levels of expertise is always right.
