Fine Gael councillor for Cavan, Winston Bennett has called for the government to provide a more accessible grant to fix or replace faulty septic tanks.

Cllr Bennett told Agriland he has received numerous calls over the years from people about their septic tanks not working, mostly from elderly people.

Last month, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said that local authorities have the responsibility for septic tank grants, and are in the best place to provide figures and details of households in their respective areas.

The minister outlined the details of the grants that are available at the moment, as well as the changes to the funding that were made from January 1, 2024, including an increase in the maximum grant amount from €5,000 to €12,000.

However, Cllr Bennett wants changes to be made to the grant system.

He said: "Unless they’re in a certain zone, there is no grants to help people. I

"There is a system going in most counties, where inspections are done every year. In Cavan, that was 33 last year. That’s in specific areas."

According to Bennett, every council has to inspect a certain number of septic tanks.

He said: "There is usually a designated area. You have to inspect at least 33. If they come across a tank with a problem, that family is entitled to look for a grant.

Bennett believes people should be able to request an inspection of a faulty tank, in order to receive a grant.

He said: "If someone asks for a grant and there’s a problem, there should be a grant to assist them. Especially elderly people.

"The stuff that comes out of a washing machine, or a dishwasher, is far more detrimental to our waterways than a bit of slurry getting into it."