Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
705. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether any public health risk assessment has been conducted regarding septic tank failures in areas dependent on private wells for drinking water. [39624/26]
View answer707. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has assessed whether current septic tank remediation grants are sufficient to cover full remediation costs in rural Ireland. [39626/26]
View answer708. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether any review is planned of the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems in light of the continued septic tank inspection failure rate exceeding 50%. [39627/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 705, 707 and 708 together.
The inspection of domestic wastewater treatment systems is carried out by local authorities under the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems, prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Plan is risk-based and targets areas where there is a greater potential risk to rivers, groundwater and private wells.
The protection of public health and water quality underpins this risk-based approach, including in relation to private wells and groundwater sources. Inspections are designed to identify systems that may pose a risk and to ensure remedial action is taken where required.
Under the Water Services Act 2007 (as amended), the National Inspection Plan prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency operates on a five-year cycle. A statutory review is provided for in advance of each new iteration of the Plan and no separate formal mid-cycle review is provided for. The next Plan is due to taken effect from 2027.
Grant assistance is available under the Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS) Grant Scheme where systems are defective and meet eligibility criteria. This includes cases where a system has failed inspection and received an Advisory Notice, or where systems are located in areas identified as being at particular risk to water quality. This provides targeted support to householders for necessary remediation works.
The scheme provides grants of up to €12,000 to support the cost of necessary remediation works, including repair or replacement of defective systems. In the normal course property owners are responsible for the proper installation and maintenance of their systems and funding the associated costs. Grant assistance is available only on an exceptional basis.
