More households in Longford will be eligible for septic tanks grant
More households in Longford will be eligible for the septic tanks grant.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien has announced that grants available for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (commonly known as Septic Tanks) will be increased from €5,000 to €12,000.
The Minister also announced that the qualifying condition that the septic tank must be registered with the local authority prior to February 1, 2013, will be removed.
The changes, which will take effect from January 1, 2024, will mean that more households will qualify for the grants and will be supported to upgrade or replace their tank by a greatly enhanced grant.
Domestic waste water treatment systems collect, treat and discharge waste water from households that are not connected to public sewerage systems.
They must be registered with Local Authorities who may inspect them to ensure they do not pose any risk to the public and the environment.
Currently grants of up to €5,000 are available to repair, upgrade or replace a septic tank provided it was registered before February 1, 2013. The maximum grant will be increased by 140% to €12,000 and will be available to all eligible septic tank owners.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “These are very important changes which will help households, particularly those in rural Ireland, by easing the financial burden associated with upgrading, repairing or replacing a septic tank.
“I’ve listened to the feedback from many stakeholders advocating for these changes and I believe they will encourage more households to avail of the grant and consequently help reduce the risk of environmental impact from defective tanks,” he concluded.
Welcoming the news, Cllr Mick Cahill said: “These are very important changes which will help householders in rural Co Longford and ease the significant financial burden associated with upgrading, repairing or replacing a septic tank.”
The Minister met with Co Councillors in Longford a couple of months ago and the issue of septic tanks was raised by Cllr Cahill.
The news was also welcomed by Deputy Joe Flaherty, who said: “I am very pleased that the Minister took on board the issues raised by Cllr Cahill and I am certain it will encourage more householders to avail of the scheme and avert future environmental impacts from defective septic tanks.”