Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 233: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation in relation to the licensing of septic tanks; if so, his views on the cost implications of licensing for the elderly and the less well off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40739/09]

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

I refer to the reply to Question No. 230 of 4 November 2009. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that Ireland failed to fulfil its obligations under Articles 4 and 8 of the Waste Directive as regards domestic waste waters disposed of in the countryside through septic tanks and other individual waste water treatment 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. My Department, which has already established a task force to consider the matter, will be developing proposals to give effect to this commitment and to respond in full to the ECJ judgement; this will involve consideration of the impacts of any proposals, including the costs generally and to particular groups.