No plans to extend septic tank grant areas - minister
Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon - Galway, Claire Kerrane has described the septic tank grant support process as "a load of rubbish".
Deputy Kerrane told Agriland that the process of applying for a grant for septic tanks is a major issue in rural areas.
"The process is really messy. Unless it’s inspected by the local authority, people are trying to find ways to see can they get around getting them out. It’s such a load of rubbish really. The grant should be there to support people, instead it’s next or near impossible to get," she said.
"The government need to look at the existing grant, and look at how accessible it is. They made great announcements of the increase and how wonderful that was.
"That’s all well and good, but if you can’t access it in the first place, that’s the issue. I’d like them to look at accessing the grant in the first place," she added.
Earlier this week, the Sinn Féin TD asked asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne a series of parliamentary questions about septic tank grants.
Minister Browne outlined the details of the grants that are available at the moment, and the changes that were made from January 1, 2024, including an increase in the maximum grant amount from €5,000 to €12,000.
"There are currently three grants available and their purpose is to provide financial assistance to reduce the environmental impact from defective septic tanks and to protect human health," the minister said.
"They are not universally available. Householders are eligible where a septic tank has been found to be defective following an inspection by the local authority or if located in a designated area of greatest environmental priority," he added.
Minister Browne said that local authorities have the responsibility for the grants, and are in the best place to provide figures and details of households in their respective areas.
"Under the recently launched Water Action Plan, new geographical areas across the country have been identified as prioritised areas for action and high status objective catchment areas," he said.
"I have no plans at the current time to extend these areas."
Deputy Kerrane has questioned the department's approach.
"Is locking so many people out of it, based on being in a certain area to get it, is that actually the best thing for communities and the environment? I don’t think it is," she said.
"It’s of benefit to everybody if we have septic tanks that are functioning properly to a proper standard. I would like the minister to look at where and how people access the grant," she concluded.
