Ms Laura Burke:

The Deputy raised a combination of issues. I will address some of the broader ones and ask my colleagues to address the more detailed ones.

Regarding companies that refuse to change their ways, the EPA uses a broad range of enforcement tools: education and guidance; civil sanctions; criminal sanctions; and revocation of licences. We have revoked licences, but that is the ultimate sanction. Having made such a decision, it can be challenged in the courts, but the legislation gives the EPA the power to suspend or revoke licences.

Page 11 of the document refers specifically to the septic tank inspection regime, not to the broader local authority inspection regime. Mr. O'Leary can discuss septic tanks and our broader supervisory and inspectorate role in respect of local authorities' environmental responsibilities.

The purpose of conducting our research on fracking at a local level is to assess whether it can be operated without causing environmental damage. I am also conscious that, if fracking was to operate in Ireland, the EPA would be the regulatory authority and anyone fracking would need to be licensed by us. As such, we cannot pre-empt any decision that we might make. I will ask Mr. Lynott to discuss our research into fracking in more detail, but Mr. O'Leary might first discuss the issues relating to Clondalkin, septic tanks and raw sewage in Dublin.