Septic tank failures must be tackled now
Septic tank failures must be tackled now - The Labour Party
Labour’s Social Protection Spokesperson Mark Wall TD has today called for urgent reform of the septic tank grant scheme, following shocking new figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showing that 56% of septic tanks inspected in 2023 failed to meet the required standard. He said the current grant system is not fit for purpose and must be expanded to help homeowners bring their tanks up to standard, protecting health and the environment.
Deputy Wall said:
“Far too many homes across rural Ireland are being left behind by an outdated and restrictive septic tank grant scheme. The latest EPA report shows the scale of the problem, with more than half of septic tanks inspected last year failing basic standards.
“The consequences of faulty septic tanks are serious. Poor maintenance, tanks not being desludged, leaks, effluent flowing into ditches or streams, and sewage ponding in gardens are all too common. This poses a direct threat to household drinking water wells, contaminating them with harmful bacteria and viruses. People are being exposed to sewage in their own back gardens, while nitrogen and phosphorus run-offs are polluting our rivers and streams.
“Yet despite this, many rural households still do not qualify for the septic tank grant. That has to change. We need a grant scheme that works for people, not against them, making it easier and more affordable to bring their septic tanks up to standard.
“It’s not just private septic tanks we need to worry about. The EPA must be mandated to work closely with Uisce Éireann to prevent pollution from water treatment plants, and Government must provide increased capital funding for upgrades and inspections. Local authorities are currently only managing to carry out around 25 septic tank inspections per year. That is simply not good enough.
“In this day and age, it is shocking that raw sewage can still seep into people’s gardens or flow into ditches and streams. This cannot continue.
“We need more inspections, fairer access to grants, and real investment in fixing this problem. I’m calling on the Minister for Housing and Local Government to immediately expand eligibility for the septic tank grant scheme and increase funding for inspections. Rural homeowners cannot be left behind, and the long backlog of inspections must be tackled without delay. It’s time to get serious.”