Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
163. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding a review (details supplied); if the qualifying criteria for the grant will be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50374/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently three grant schemes available to householders relating to Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS) commonly known as Septic Tank Grants. The purpose of the grants is to provide financial assistance to households to carry out works to defective septic tanks.
The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority to protect human health and the environment, and are not general in application.
I can confirm that my Department has completed a review of the terms and conditions of the three grants. The review process included extensive consultation with stakeholders in the Rural Water Sector to identify where improvements could and should be made to the terms and conditions of the grants.
As a result of the review, I have approved changes to all three grants, increasing the value of funding available to households to €12,000, up from €5,000, and removing the qualifying condition that the owner must have registered their septic tank with the local authority. These changes will come into effect from 1 January 2024.
I have no plans to make further changes to the qualifying criteria.
