Tuesday 18th June 2013
Details of a grant scheme to upgrade septic tanks which do not meet the required inspection standards are set to be announced shortly, according to local TD Denis Naughten.
Following questions from Deputy Naughten, the Minister for the Environment confirmed that Full details of the scheme will be set out in regulations which he will “make shortly”.
The grant will be paid at a rate of 80% (up to a max. of €4,000) for households with an income of up to €50,000 and at a rate of 50% (up to a max. of €2,500) for households with an income of up to €75,000.
Based on an analysis of the cost of upgrading septic tanks in Co. Cavan, it is estimated that the average cost of remediation works to septic tanks is €2,500, so this grant should cover the cost of upgrading most septic tanks.
The Minister informed Deputy Naughten that “the grant scheme will only apply to works arising from an inspection and subsequent issue of an advisory notice” under the septic tank inspections.
Responding to this Denis Naughten said: “While the grant scheme is welcome, and ties in with proposals which I put to the Department of the Environment last year, it is important that the maximum grant payable be increased where significant works need to be carried out under the direction of the County Council and that the level of household debt is taken into account when assessing the income thresholds for the grant scheme.”
Furthermore, Denis Naughten highlighted the need for regulation of contractors so that vulnerable householders are protected. “While the vast majority of contractors are thoroughly professional, we have all come across instances where vulnerable people have paid vast sums of money to have tarmacadam laid or a roof repaired, but the work fell far short of even the most basic standards,” stated Denis Naughten. “In this case the work will be taking place underground, so it is imperative that there are proper systems in place to protect householders.
“There are many homes and septic tank treatment systems that were constructed over the last 10 years which fail to meet even the most basic building standards. In order to protect home owners from unscrupulous contractors it is imperative that a proper licensing system is put in place. Contractors who are providing their services be it to provide consults or to upgrade treatment systems must be properly registered, regulated & bonded.
“I have again raised this specific issue with Minister Hogan. We all recall the lack of standards during the building boom, which is now costing home owners millions to rectify, and the last thing we need now is a repeat of this with septic tanks,” concluded Denis Naughten.
ENDS.
Editor’s Reply: Copy of Dáil Reply attached.
Question No. 51
Chun an Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil:
To the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government:
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to revise building regulations to regulate the retro fitting of septic tanks; the plans, if any, he has to introduce a grant to upgrade septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Denis Naughten.
For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 12th June, 2013.
Ref No: 27973/13
REPLY
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Mr. P. Hogan)
The Building Regulations normally apply to new dwellings and to existing dwellings where a material change is being carried out. Where a service is being replaced then the requirements of the building regulations specific to the replacement apply . Part H of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations , 1997 to 2010, provides for the disposal of foul and surface water. A copy of the Building Regulations (Part H Amendment) Regulations 2010 is available in the Oireachtas library . The related Technical Guidance Document TGD H, Drainage and Waste Water Disposal, provides guidance on how to achieve compliance with this Building Regulation.
Given that the current regulations and related guidance already set out requirements in respect of septic tanks, there is no requirement to further amend Part H of the Building Regulations.
In December 2012 , I announced my intention to introduce a grant scheme to provide financial assistance to households whose septic tanks and other domestic wastewater treatment systems are deemed to require remediation following an inspection under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012. The grants scheme will only apply to works arising from an inspection and subsequent issue of an advisory notice under the Water Services (Amendment) Act, 2012 and only householders who have complied with the obligation to register their systems by 1st February, 2013 will be eligible to apply for grant aid. Full details of the scheme will be set out in regulations which I will make shortly.