Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
592. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of inspections of domestic wastewater treatment systems carried out in each local authority; and the number of those inspections which identified systems requiring repair, upgrade or replacement, in each of the past ten years, by local authority, in tabular form. [28701/26]
View answer593. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of inspectors engaged in the inspection of domestic wastewater treatment systems in each local authority, in each of the past ten years; and to specify whether these figures are whole-time equivalent, by local authority, in tabular form. [28702/26]
View answer595. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the basis on which domestic wastewater treatment systems are selected for inspection; the criteria applied; whether these are set nationally or locally; and whether a written guidance document, circular or protocol governs this process; and if so to provide a copy. [28704/26]
View answer598. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has assessed the extent of unmet need under the domestic wastewater treatment system grant scheme arising from the current inspection-led model; whether estimates exist of defective systems not captured by the inspection regime; and whether he considers the current model equitable across local authorities. [28707/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 592, 593, 595 and 598 together.
My Department does not collate the detailed operational data sought, including the number of inspections carried out or the number of inspectors engaged; this information is held by individual local authorities.
The inspection of domestic wastewater treatment systems is carried out by local authorities under the framework set by the Environmental Protection Agency through the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems. The Plan sets out a risk-based methodology for selecting systems, with a focus on environmental protection, including drinking water sources and sensitive water bodies. Local authorities select systems for inspection in line with this guidance.
My Department has no direct role in these activities, nor does it determine inspection targets or staffing levels at local authority level.
In relation to grant supports, the Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems Grant Scheme provides assistance in defined circumstances, including where a system has failed an inspection, although this does not in itself confer an entitlement to a grant. The scheme is administered by local authorities on behalf of my Department.
My Department has not carried out a national assessment of unmet need under the scheme. In addition, there is no comprehensive national estimate of defective systems beyond those identified through the inspection regime. The risk-based approach underpinning the National Inspection Plan is designed to direct resources to areas of greatest environmental risk. The same national framework applies across all local authorities, and I consider that this supports a consistent and equitable approach.
Further information, including the National Inspection Plan, is available on the EPA website.
