Grant assistance is available in specific circumstances to support householders where defective Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), including septic tanks, present the greatest risk to the environment or to public health.
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 dwelling is located within a designated area identified as being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of defective systems.
The operation and maintenance of DWWTS remains the responsibility of the property owner, who must ensure that their system functions effectively and does not pose a risk to human health or the environment.
My Department is currently reviewing the grant support arrangements being provided in light of evolving environmental objectives. Consideration of the additional areas now identified as high status objective catchment and priority areas for action will form part of this review.
My Department is currently finalising its review, and I will consider recommendations on this matter once they are submitted.
