Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

542. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review the eligibility areas of grant aid schemes administered by a local authority to upgrade, repair or replace domestic wastewater treatment system/septic tank systems; if he will ensure those previously tested with high risk factors can be later included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51175/25]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The proper operation and maintenance of domestic wastewater treatment systems, including septic tanks, is the responsibility of the property owner. Owners must ensure that their systems are working effectively and do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.

Grant assistance is available in specific circumstances to support householders where defective systems pose the greatest environmental or public health risk. In particular, grants may be accessed where a system has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has issued, or where a householder lives in a designated area identified as being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of defective systems.

The focus of the scheme is to target areas of greatest priority, so as to protect water quality and public health and ensure the most effective use of available resources. The terms and conditions of the grants have recently been significantly improved to encourage greater uptake.

I have no plans to make further changes at this time.