Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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1212. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the new grant scheme to upgrade domestic septic tanks will be introduced; the reason for the delay in its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3096/20]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I approved a new funding scheme for on-site wastewater treatment systems (more commonly known as septic tanks) under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021 to replace the current grant which was brought into operation by the Domestic Waste Water Treatment System (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2013.  The grant scheme is also being expanded to support the attainment of water quality objectives in what are called ‘high status objective catchment’ water areas and ‘prioritised areas for action’, as identified in the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021.

In developing the necessary regulatory and administrative changes to underpin the revised and improved grants scheme, my Department has over recent months met and consulted with key stakeholders, including the County and City Management Association, the Local Authority Waters Programme Office and the Environmental Protection Agency.

My Department also required legal advice in relation to the drafting of the regulations which are required for the new grant scheme. I am advised that this process is almost complete and it is hoped to make an announcement on the commencement of the new scheme shortly.