The Building Regulations normally apply to new dwellings and to existing dwellings where a material change is being carried out. Where a service is being replaced then the requirements of the building regulations specific to the replacement apply. Part H of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations, 1997 to 2010, provides for the disposal of foul and surface water. A copy of the Building Regulations (Part H Amendment) Regulations 2010 is available in the Oireachtas library. The related Technical Guidance Document TGDH, Drainage and Waste Water Disposal, provides guidance on how to achieve compliance with this Building Regulation.
Given that the current regulations and related guidance already set out requirements in respect of septic tanks, there is no requirement to further amend Part H of the Building Regulations. In December 2012, I announced my intention to introduce a grant scheme to provide financial assistance to households whose septic tanks and other domestic wastewater treatment systems are deemed to require remediation following an inspection under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012. The grants scheme will only apply to works arising from an inspection and subsequent issue of an advisory notice under the Water Services (Amendment) Act, 2012 and only householders who have complied with the obligation to register their systems by 1st February, 2013 will be eligible to apply for grant aid. Full details of the scheme will be set out in regulations which I will make shortly.