Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
314. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the discussions he has had with Teagasc, the EPA, and third level institutions in relation to developing improved wastewater treatment systems for small developments, single houses and businesses to virtually eliminate the risk of ground water pollution and contamination of the environment from this source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11482/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra315. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of pollution caused in ground water by wastewater systems from single-house treatment systems; the steps he is talking to eliminate this damage to the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11483/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together.
The Government is taking strong action on Water Quality including: a record investment in Uisce Éireann capital programmes; a new CAP Strategic Plan with measures to protect and improve water quality in agricultural areas; and a new stronger Nitrates Action Programme.
My Department is currently preparing the third River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, to cover the period up to 2027. As part of the preparations, my Department has engaged with various stakeholders. This plan will build on the work of the second-cycle, and will again describe the main pressures and activities affecting water status, set out the environmental objectives to be achieved up to 2027 and identify the measures needed to achieve these objectives, including those highlighted by the EPA.
The Environmental Protection Agency, as the Environmental Regulator, is the key statutory body for investigating complaints of pollution and for the enforcement, both directly and through oversight of Uisce Éireann and local authorities, of environmental legislation, including compliance. The EPA is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.
Under the Water Services Acts 2007 (as amended) 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 environment.
Section 70K of the Water Services Act 2007 (as amended) requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prepare a national inspection plan with regard to the inspection and monitoring of domestic waste water treatment systems, and authorises the water authorities to implement the plan including arranging for inspections.
The EPA publishes an annual report on inspections and enforcement and details on the number of inspections carried out can be found on the EPA's website at the following link: www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/waste-water/
