Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Question refers to Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), commonly known as septic tanks, and their selection for inspection under the National Inspection Plan and the grants available to households.

The policy of providing grant support to households for remedial work on septic tanks arises from the need to address damage being done to water quality in sensitive areas in particular.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has statutory responsibility, under the Water Services Act 2007, for the preparation of the National Inspection Plan for DWWTS. Inspections are allocated across the country with the greatest focus on areas where there is the most risk to groundwater, surface water or human health. The EPA coordinates and monitors inspections and the local authorities are responsible for the implementation of the Plan.

There are three grant schemes available to households relating to DWWTS. The purpose of these grants is to incentivise householders to carry out works to their defective septic tanks. The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority to protect human health and the environment, and are not general in application.

Households can avail of the grants if their DWWTS has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has been issued, or if the DWWTS is located in either a Prioritised Area for Action or a High Status Objective Catchment Area, as identified in the River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021.

I can confirm that following extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the Rural Water Sector, my Department completed a review of the terms and conditions of the three grants. As a result of the review and the recommendations made, in November 2023 I announced significant improvements to the grants available.

The changes which came into effect from 1 January 2024 are, an increase in the maximum grant amount available to €12,000, up from €5,000 and removal of a requirement to have had the septic tank registered in 2013.

The grants continue to be available only in circumstances relating to risks to water quality and/or human health. I have no plans to make further changes.