Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
198. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on a review of eligibility criteria and the identification of priority areas for grant aid schemes administered by local authorities to upgrade, repair or replace domestic wastewater treatment system/septic tank systems; when it is likely that these changes will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrant support is available in specific circumstances where defective Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), 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. Funding will continue to be made available according to environmental and public health priorities and will not be accessible on demand.
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.
Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 165.
