John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 22 and 40 together.

Reports by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, have identified septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems as a potential source of water pollution, particularly of ground water sources, which are an important source of drinking water for many people. This is particularly the case in areas with sensitive environments or high densities of on-site systems. The renewed programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems.

In October 2009, the European Court of Justice, ECJ, found that Ireland had failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic waste water from septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems. Ireland's defence in the proceedings sought recognition for a range of monitoring and inspection powers under the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990, the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007, the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 and the Water Services Act 2007. However, the ECJ found that these provisions only partially implemented procedures to ensure the objectives of the waste directive. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation is required to give effect to a new inspection and monitoring system for septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems.

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