Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Higgins for the opportunity to outline the position with regard to the registration of domestic wastewater treatment systems.

The Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 provided for the establishment of a new system for the registration and inspection of septic tanks and other domestic wastewater treatment systems. I made regulations in June setting out the procedures for householders to register details of their treatment systems with their water services authorities. The Local Government Management Agency developed an online registration facility, on a shared service basis for the 34 county and city councils, and the agency has also been tasked with managing a central bureau to process written applications accompanied by registration fees. Registration facilities have been available from 26 June 2012. In keeping with a previous commitment, I set the registration fee at ¤5 for the first three months of the registration period, up to 28 September this year, and the fee payable since that date is ¤50. The registration fees are intended to cover the costs to the water services authorities of administering the registers and managing the risk-based inspection system which will be implemented in 2013.

As of 10 December 2012, applications in respect of the on-site wastewater treatment systems of 241,000 owners, who have registered online, by post or in person at their local authority offices, have been processed. I understand that approximately a further 50,000 owners have submitted registration applications which have yet to be processed by the bureau operated by the Local Government Management Agency. This means that more than 290,000 owners have registered their systems. This compares with the almost 500,000 houses that are served by septic tanks or other on-site treatment systems that were recorded in Census 2011. Householders who have not yet registered have until 1 February 2013 to register their system. I would encourage each of them to register on time to ensure they are in compliance with the law. Registration can be done online, by post or at local authority offices.

I am very aware of the concerns that have been expressed and raised by Senator Higgins that some householders are concerned they may incur significant expense in repairing or upgrading their systems if they fail an inspection. I have stated on a number of occasions that I am prepared to consider all possible options to provide financial support to those householders whose wastewater treatment systems are deemed, following inspection under the new legislation, to require substantial remediation or upgrading. The provision of any financial support will have regard to the overall budgetary situation and to the financial position of the individual householders concerned. If we are introducing any financial support at some stage in the future, this support would be targeted as a last resort to people on low incomes who have been unable, due to their means, to facilitate a major improvement of their wastewater treatment system.

I remind the House that this legislation was introduced to ensure compliance with a European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland. It is important the legislation is fully implemented not just to comply with the court ruling but also to protect our very valuable water resources. Senator Higgins is correct to point out the importance of good quality water to householders, the agriculture and food industry and businesses generally.