There must be official inspection of tank to get grant

Homeowners dealing with failing septic tanks will be assisted with funding to carry out improvement works up to €12,000 from January 1, 2024, councillors were told at a recent meeting.

"It's wonderful news and something we have been looking forward to for a long time in Leitrim," said Cllr Enda Stenson at the latest meeting of Leitrim County Council.

Cllr Paddy O'Rouke said that the "facetious clause",  the previous qualifying condition that the septic tank must be registered with the local authority prior to February 1, 2013, will be removed, meaning that more homeowners across Leitrim will be eligible to avail of these grants from January 1. 

Cllr Stenson said it was important to point out that "if your tank fails on foot of an inspection, based on the certificate given, you can then apply for the grant. There has to be an official inspection of the tank."

Cllr O'Rourke added that in order to access the grant, potential applicants must "wait until the water quality in your river catchment area has deteriorated to the point that it comes to the notice of the EPA then they issue a map and inform the council to go and check the relevant sources of contamination."

Cllr Sean McGowan and Cllr Brendan Barry also welcomed the news.

Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, said that the grant is very welcome and a "lot of people in the county are the subject of notices at the moment to progress the completion of their septic tanks and comply with notices."