Mayo Fine Gael TD John O'Mahony has urged septic tank owners in Mayo to make sure they have registered their systems before the deadline of February 1 to ensure they will be eligible to apply for a remediation grant if necessary.
“This is an issue that I pursued with the Minister during the passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas and I am pleased that the Minister has taken on board my strong representations to him on this matter. This grant scheme will hopefully put at ease the minds of many septic tank owners who were concerned about the potentially high costs of remediation works that may have to be carried out on their systems,” he advised.
However septic tank owners now have just a couple of weeks to register their systems ahead of the deadline on February 1. Dep O’Mahony has stressed that it will not be possible to apply for a remediation grant if you have not registered your system before the February 1 deadline.
Septic tank inspections are due to get under way shortly, and the vast majority of systems are expected to pass without any issues. But for the small minority of people who do need to get their tanks upgraded or repaired, grants of up to 80 per cent of the cost of the remedial works, to a maximum of €4,000, will be made available. The grants are being specifically targeted at low income households.
“Septic tanks which are leaking or failing to work properly pose a threat to our drinking water supplies. Effective waste water treatment systems are essential for the environment and for our economy. This is of particular significance to people living in rural areas, who understand the importance of protecting local water supplies,” explained Dep O’Mahony.
“Protecting our water supplies is also very important for the economy. A safe and reliable water supply is essential for tourism, agriculture, and attracting foreign investment, particularly from ICT and pharmaceutical companies. We also have a duty to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland, dating from October 2009. Ignoring this ruling will result in significant fines,” he warned.
Risk-based inspections of septic tanks are due to commence shortly. Householders will be informed in writing by their local council. It is very easy to register; you can go online to www.ProtectOurWater.ie, you can get an application form from your county council office, or in any Citizens’ Information Centre. You can also pay in person at Mayo County Council offices.
“I am encouraging any septic tank owners in Mayo to register their system before February 1, to ensure they can apply for a grant in the unlikely event of remedial works being necessary,” concluded Dep O’Mahony.
