Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 9: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that are to be taken to address the findings of the most recent Environmental Protection Agency water quality report that found a deterioration of ground water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43042/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer to my earlier reply and discussion on Priority Question No. 1.

The EPA water quality report for 2004-2006 found that ground water is the only aquatic system showing a trend of decline in water quality and this is a major cause of concern. Implementation of the nitrates directive is one of the key measures to address the deterioration of ground water quality. The nitrates directive was given legal effect by the European communities (good agricultural practice for the protection of waters) regulations 2006 and 2007. These regulations provide a firm basis for the reduction of both nitrate and phosphate losses from farm land.

Work is under way in my Department on the drafting of regulations to transpose the EU directive on the protection of ground water against pollution and deterioration. The directive sets out criteria and procedures for assessing ground water chemical status and establishes quality standards for ground water.

As part of the ongoing implementation of the water framework directive, a new ground water monitoring programme has been developed by my Department, the EPA and the local authorities to improve knowledge of ground water quality. All ground water bodies will be assessed and classified by the EPA. Once classification has taken place, the relevant authorities must set objectives for ground water bodies which will prevent deterioration, reverse trends of increasing pollution, and restore ground water bodies to good status where necessary. In addition, the first draft river basin management plans will be published next month and the public will be given an opportunity to comment on these plans during the first six months of next year. These plans will include programmes of measures to achieve the objectives of the directive.

Ground water is an important natural resource and I am committed to its protection and improvement. I secured a greatly increased budget of €560 million in 2009 for my Department's water services investment programme. This is the highest provision ever and is a clear statement of the Government's commitment to improve water quality.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Minister said, the fact the EPA found the quality of ground water had deteriorated is of major concern. One of the issues is much of our drinking water is supplied from ground water sources. For example, 75% of drinking water in Roscommon is provided from ground water and spring sources.

I refer to the issue of human health because one of the contaminants is faecal matter, which, if not treated properly, gives rise to problems such as e.coli, cryptosporidium and so on. The Minister referred to proposals coming down the line, such as the EU directive on ground water and the river basin management plans, and he said one of the problems is septic tanks. The environment committee earlier this week met representatives of manufacturers, installers and assessors of septic tanks and other water treatment facilities. They favour tighter controls, stricter standards and more oversight and regulation of people who design and install septic tanks and other treatment facilities. The Minister has standards and directives on his table that have not been implemented in regard to septic tanks. A proposal regarding grants for remediation of septic tanks is contained in the programme for Government. What will happen to those measures that are needed?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy's colleague, Deputy Ciarán Lynch, referred to the appearance of the industry representatives before the committee earlier. It sounded like an interesting submission and I will obtain a transcript to establish the points they made to the committee.

The Deputy is absolutely correct that we have a serious problem in regard to septic tanks, to which I referred earlier. I also referred to the European Commission's finding. The Water Services Act 2007 contains a number of significant provisions relating to the operation of septic tanks and it places a duty of care on the occupier or owner of a premises in regard to the maintenance of such tanks and it also requires him or her to notify the water services authority where any leak, accident or other incident occurs relating to the discharge of sewage from a septic tank where it is likely to cause a risk to human health or safety or the environment.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The main loophole concerns oversight of the people who design and install the facilities. The problem is the householder is liable but the installer or designer is not. Householders do not have a clue about these issues. The representatives want inspections to be carried out following installation and regulation of the installers in order that if the pollution take places, there is accountability all along the line.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The FSAI stated thousands of citizens are drinking poor quality or contaminated water. Will the Minister introduce a grant scheme for householders to replace septic tanks aged over 50 years? People will not respond unless they have an incentive. He should give encouragement to our citizens to do so.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I take the points made by Deputy Tuffy regarding a monitoring and inspection regime. The sustainable rural housing guidelines for planning authorities issued in April 2005 emphasised the need for adherence to best practice in regard to septic tanks to protect water quality, particularly in ground water. They were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which requires planning authorities to have regard to such guidelines in the performance of their functions. The phrase "have regard to" is in dispute. I would like to copperfasten that phrase in the flooding and residential housing guidelines and replace it with "comply with", which would make the guidelines more robust in legal terms. The EPA is finalising a revised edition of its 2000 manual on wastewater treatment systems serving single houses in consultation with all the interested parties. We can make inroads with an inspection regime and the new legislation required.

As much as I would like to introduce a grant scheme across a range of areas, money is in short supply and I do not see that on the horizon for the foreseeable future.