Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
377. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider reopening the period for the registration of septic tanks in view of the recent reports about septic tanks' failing inspections, which would enable households that did not register in 2013 to avail of the septic tank grant to carry out necessary repair works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32721/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra378. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will change the qualifying criteria for the septic tank grant to enable households that self-report a fault to qualify, rather than just households that have been inspected or those in a prioritised area for action in accordance with the River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32722/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to answer Questions Nos. 377 and 378 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 (DWWTS, commonly known as a septic tank) is responsible for ensuring that it is fit for purpose including its maintenance and repair so as to prevent a risk to human health or the environment.
My Department provides financial support though grant funding to assist householders to carry out works to rectify or upgrade defective septic tanks. The grant schemes are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority rather than general in application. In order to be eligible for a grant, the owner must have registered their septic tank with the local authority by the prescribed date of 1 February 2013.
I am pleased to say that approximately 98% of all systems are registered with the local authorities and having a strict cut-off date to register played a key role in this.
My Department is currently carrying out a review of all matters relating to the grant scheme – the review is at an advanced stage. Extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders including a recent focused workshop with local authority staff administering the grant has been completed.
A number of points were raised in respect of the qualifying criteria for the grant. My Department is actively considering the points raised including the prescribed date requirement, as a matter of priority.
