Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Water and Sewerage Schemes

10:00 am

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing environmental pollution and danger to drinking water caused by domestic sewage from the septic tanks and other effluent treatment systems; the reason for the lack of effective action by his Department in dealing with the problem; the reason for the absence of regulation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30103/10]

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 544: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his response, if any to the call in May 2009 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee to provide effective standards, joined up regulation, effective policing and guarantees on performance and durability of waste water treatment systems, together with the provision of credible certification including site inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30104/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 543 and 544 together.

Reports by the Environmental Protection Agency have identified septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems as a potential source of water pollution, particularly of groundwater 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 failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic wastewater from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater 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 1990-2007, the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 and the Water Services Act 2007. However, the ECJ found that the provisions cited only partially implement procedures to ensure the objectives of the Waste Directive. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation is, therefore, required to give effect to a new inspection and monitoring system for septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.

On the publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's report, I wrote to the Chairman to note that its recommendations were both timely and welcome and to assure the Committee that its report was being carefully considered. I expect that the issues raised in it will be addressed comprehensively in the proposals that I will be bringing forward to give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government and to ensure compliance with the Court ruling. My Department is considering how this monitoring and inspection system should operate and has been consulting extensively with the EPA, the local authorities and other key stakeholders on the matter. I intend to undertake consultations with wider stakeholders, and to bring proposals to Government to address these matters later this year.

Photo of Michael D'ArcyMichael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the towns being considered for the new waste water treatment plant for 2010, 2011 and 2012; the number of waste water treatment plants that are delayed an extension due to inaction of the Department; when did the applicants for waste water treatment plants, being considered for the above years, first apply for extensions. [30106/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012, which is available in the Oireachtas Library, sets out the contracts and relevant locations where works relating to the provision of wastewater treatment plants are envisaged over the period 2010 - 2012. The timing of the commencement of contracts within that period is a matter for the Water Services Authorities subject to the need for my Department's approval at key stages in the progression of projects through planning and on to construction. Details on the progression of individual contracts can be obtained from the local authorities involved.

The length of time to progress a scheme from initial design to completion varies with the scale and complexity of the scheme and the number of contracts involved, and is particularly dependent on the number and type of statutory processes required at the planning stage. My Department has made every effort over the years to advance projects as expeditiously as possible, and in a manner consistent with meeting its responsibilities in relation to management of Exchequer funds. This has included reviews of administrative procedures and improvements to project management systems. Once the Preliminary Report has been approved for schemes where the procurement/construction stage budget is less than €5 million, contracts within the scheme may proceed up to and including the seeking of tenders without the need for further Departmental approval, subject to the cost remaining within approved budgets.

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