Homeowners will not maintain or repair their septic tank systems if they can only apply for a grant after a random inspection from their local authority says Galway West TD Noel Grealish.
Under the current legislation, local authorities decide where and how many septic tanks are to be inspected and only then, if a septic tank fails, the inspection, can the homeowner apply for a grant to carry out necessary repairs.
According to Dep Grealish the Water Services Amendment Act does little to improve the situation. Inspections will only be carried out randomly and homeowners are unable to request their local council to inspect their septic tanks if they believe it is not performing correctly.
Dep Grealish wants members of the public to be able to request inspection of their septic tank where necessary and for homeowners to be able to apply for a grant to carry out remedial works.