367. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports that are available for homeowners who need grants to help update their small group septic tank systems (details supplied). [67982/26]

As a general rule, it is the responsibility of the owner to take responsibility for the proper operation, maintenance and the associated costs of their systems.

The Domestic Waste Water Treatment System grant schemes provide financial assistance, only on an exceptional basis,  to owners of individual domestic wastewater treatment systems in specified circumstances and subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.

For wastewater treatment systems serving a number of houses, proposals may be eligible to be considered by local authorities for submission under the 2027–2029 Rural Water Capital Funding Programme, subject to the relevant programme criteria and assessment. The application window for the Programme is currently open.

Groups operating such systems can engage with their local authority, which will assess the proposal and determine whether it is appropriate to submit an application for consideration under the Programme.