Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today , published the draft performance standards for septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems.
"I gave a commitment in the Dáil, during the debates on the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012, that I would publish the draft standards for the operation and maintenance of domestic waste water treatment systems for a public consultation process.
"The practical approach taken by my Department, in consultation with the EPA, won’t only protect groundwater, but will actually enhance our water quality. Members of the public now have an opportunity to consider these draft standards for the next four weeks and following that I will finalise the regulations to give effect to the standards," the Minister said.
"The draft standards set out the responsibilities of owners of septic tanks and other systems including requirements for the removal of sludge and ensuring the system is in working order and properly functioning. As I said during the course of the debate on the bill, if householders are meeting the requirements of these standards and their systems are not causing pollution, they have nothing to worry about," The Minister continued. "It is important that householders are aware of the location of their system and that they carry out a visual examination of their system at least once a year to ensure there is no evidence that it is causing pollution."
Minister Hogan added: "Implementation of the new legislation is necessary not only to comply with the European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland in October 2009 and our obligations under the EU Waste Directive, but most importantly, to protect public health and the environment, particularly water quality. Having good quality water resources will also be an important factor in helping to attract new inward investment to support and create employment in local communities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and ICT."
(GK)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
15/11/2024
An emergency road closure has been announced following serious structural integrity concerns of the former Antrim Arms Hotel building on Castle Street in Ballycastle. Following genuine fears surrounding the safety of the building's structure, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have ...
15/11/2024
A pre-design public consultation for the Dublin-based College Green - Dame Street Public Realm Project has been launched. The proposal to remodel College Green and Dame Street is a joint initiative by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority. The project aims to transform Dublin's ...
15/11/2024
A new plan which aims to fill vacant homes and revitalise derelict buildings has been proposed by Ireland's Green Party. The Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill put forward by the party aims to establish a single permitting system for fire, accessibility and planning in a one-stop-shop for ...
15/11/2024
Works will begin next week to provide a more reliable water supply in County Kildare, Uisce Éireann has announced. The improvements, which will take place in Allenwood, will also target the reduction of high levels of leakage. GMC Utilities Group are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce ...
15/11/2024
Essential wastewater improvements being made to the North Street area in Carrickfergus are set to be completed on Friday, November 22, NI Water has announced. Further works will recommence to the area on January 6, after the busy Christmas period. The work is part of a major investment to improve ...
15/11/2024
A forthcoming road closure in Wicklow has been announced by the County Council ahead of essential roadworks which are suspected to last a week. The closure will impact the L-69052 road in Arklow and will take place on the junction of the L2901, Laffin's Lane and The Brook, from Monday, November ...
14/11/2024
A L'Derry park was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs yesterday following the completion of extensive works. Manor Park in Moneymore welcomed Minister Andrew Muir MLA, who made the trip to see the result of extensive works which totalled £260,000. The ...
14/11/2024
A Railway Order planning application will be made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the major Luas Finglas project. The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on Monday, November 18, while the public can make submissions about the proposed light rail line from November ...
14/11/2024
A new €8.8 million social housing scheme officially launched in County Louth recently. The Ferrard Park development in Drogheda contains 28 new houses which were acquired by Louth County Council from CFS Homes for tenants from the council's social housing waiting list. The houses, which include a ...
14/11/2024
A number of projects across Wicklow aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change have received a significant cash boost. Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced an allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the ...