O’Shea Calls for Inclusion of New High-Status and Priority Water Areas in Septic Tank Grant Scheme

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to extend the Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Tank) Grant Scheme to include all areas newly classified as High-Status Objective Catchments and Priority Areas for Action under the Water Action Plan 2024 – Ireland’s Third River Basin Management Plan.

At present, grant assistance is only available where a septic tank has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has been issued, or where a dwelling is located within previously designated areas identified as being particularly vulnerable to pollution.

Deputy O’Shea said that with the publication of the Water Action Plan 2024, several additional areas across County Cork have now been identified as environmentally sensitive or under pressure from water quality issues — and that these areas must be eligible for grant aid to support the upgrading of domestic wastewater treatment systems. “If we are serious about improving and protecting water quality, then homeowners in these newly identified high-status and priority areas must be able to access financial support to upgrade or replace defective septic tanks”.

Deputy O’Shea added “Rural homeowners with septic tanks want to play their part in protecting local rivers, lakes and groundwater, but the cost of carrying out necessary works can be substantial. Extending the grant scheme to include these new areas would be a fair and practical step that benefits both the environment and rural communities.”

Deputy O’Shea welcomed confirmation that the Department is currently reviewing the grant support arrangements considering updated environmental objectives but urged that this review must lead to prompt action. “We cannot allow delays in expanding eligibility to undermine our commitments under the River Basin Management Plan,” he continued. “Extending the septic tank grant scheme will help ensure that Cork homeowners are supported to maintain high water standards and that the county continues to play its part in protecting Ireland’s most valuable water resources.”