Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2012
156 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects the septic tank registration process to commence; his views on any discussions his Department has had or intends to have with the Data Protection Commission regarding the information requested as part of the registration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21024/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra157 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which the reduced septic tank registration fee will commence; the length of time it will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21025/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra158 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans regarding the provision of financial assistance for homeowners that are required to upgrade their septic tank systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21026/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 158, inclusive, together.
The registration facilities, both on-line and paper-based, are currently being developed by the Local Government Management Agency and I expect that they will be available shortly. When registration commences, a reduced fee of €5 will be payable for the initial three months and a fee of €50 will apply thereafter. Ample time will be provided for householders to comply with the requirement to register their on-site waste water treatment systems. My Department will ensure that a comprehensive public information campaign, including details of how and when to register, will be carried out in advance. My Department is in consultation with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure that all data protection requirements are complied with. I have previously given a commitment to keep under consideration all options to provide financial support to house-holders whose systems are deemed, following inspection, to require substantial remediation or upgrading. Any such support will have regard to the overall budgetary situation and to the financial position of individual households.
