I propose to take Questions Nos. 273, 283 and 284 together.
Under the Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012, the owner of a domestic waste water treatment system is responsible for its maintenance and renewal and shall ensure that its parts and components are fit for purpose, operational where appropriate and kept in good order and repair so as to prevent a risk to human health or the environment.
My Department provides financial assistance towards the remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or the replacement of a domestic waste water treatment system under new and revised grant schemes which launched in June 2020. The schemes are focused on areas of greatest environmental priority rather than general in application. This is in line with Government Policy which is framed in the context of meeting relevant obligations under legislation. The grant schemes are administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department and details of the Terms and Conditions for each scheme can be found on my Department’s website at the following address:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/6cc1e-domestic-waste-water-treatment-systems-septic-tanks/
The table following sets out details of recoupment, from 04 June 2020 to 11 November 2021,
by my Department to local authorities, under the Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Grant Schemes (also known as Septic Tanks), in the requested format.
Septic Tank Grants approved 04 June 2020 - 11 November 2021
County
|
No. of NIP*
|
No. of HSOCA*
|
No. of PAA*
|
Carlow
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
Cavan
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
Kerry
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
Kildare
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
Kilkenny
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
Laois
|
0
|
4
|
0
|
Longford
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
Limerick
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
Mayo
|
26
|
0
|
0
|
Meath
|
35
|
0
|
0
|
Offaly
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
Roscommon
|
11
|
0
|
0
|
Westmeath
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
Wexford
|
11
|
0
|
0
|
*NIP – National Inspection Plan; HSOCA – High Status Objective Catchment Areas; PAA – Prioritised Areas for Action.
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant schemes, to ensure their continued alignment with policy objectives. The specifics of this review are currently being formalised and it is anticipated that relevant stakeholders will be consulted e.g. local authorities etc. as appropriate. In finalising the structure and timeline for the review, consideration will be given to the most appropriate timing in order to ensure best engagement from relevant stakeholders. This review is expected to be completed next year.