Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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1151. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to increase grant assistance to septic tank owners where the system is outdated or defective and poses a potential risk to human health or environmental risk; if he will launch a new public awareness campaign on the issue with a view to increasing funding of grants for high standards of practice and compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45205/25]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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Owners of domestic wastewater treatment systems, including septic tanks, are responsible for their proper operation and maintenance. To support them, my Department provides targeted grants of up to €12,000 for the repair or replacement of systems that are defective or no longer fit for purpose.

These grants are focused on where they are most urgently needed and can achieve greatest benefit for water quality and public health, ensuring the most effective use of available resources.

Through guidance and information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities, my Department works to raise awareness among owners about effective wastewater system management, their obligations, and the assistance available.

These efforts help protect public health, safeguard water quality, and ensure compliance with environmental standards. I have no plans to make changes at present.