1749. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider amending the legislation governing the domestic waste water treatment systems grant for high status objective catchment areas to extend eligibility to properties located within priority areas for action identified under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022–2027, where such areas are not currently covered due to the existing legislation referring to the 2018–2021 plan; if he will examine whether the eligibility criteria can be updated to reflect the current River Basin Management Plan and its environmental objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61142/26]

I have signed the new Regulations to amend the Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (DWWTS) Grant extending eligibility to Areas for Action, including Priority Areas for Action, identified under the current River Basin Management Plan 2022–2027.

The new Regulations will be implemented and notified to local authorities shortly.

Responsibility for the proper maintenance, repair, upgrade or replacement of a domestic wastewater treatment system, including the associated costs, rests with the system owner. The DWWTS Grant provides targeted financial support in specific exceptional circumstances. Being located within an eligible area does not, by itself, confer eligibility for grant assistance, which continues to be determined in accordance with the terms of the scheme.