Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
238. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will broaden the eligibility areas for the Domestic Waste Water Treatment System (Septic Tank) Grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34603/26]
View answerGrant support is available in specific circumstances where defective Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems, including septic tanks, pose a significant risk to the environment or public health. This is an exception to the general rule whereby property owners, who remain responsible for ensuring that their systems are properly maintained, are required to fund all maintenance and repair costs.
Grants are targeted at priority areas, including where a system has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan or where a dwelling is located in an area identified as particularly vulnerable to the impacts of defective systems.
A review of the grant scheme has recently been completed. I have approved amendments to provide for additional locations to be designated as priority areas for support under the scheme. These changes will ensure that funding continues to be targeted based on environmental and public health priorities and will not provide for universal or on-demand access to grant assistance.
My Department is finalising the revised regulations to give effect to the changes to the scheme and it is expected that the revised arrangements will come into effect shortly.
