1767. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the 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 systems/septic tank systems; the timeframe for these changes to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61087/26]

A review of the eligibility criteria for the Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (DWWTS) Grant has been completed. Following this review, I have signed new Regulations extending potential eligibility to Areas for Action identified under the 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.