Mayo householders to benefit from 140% increase in septic tank grants

GRANTS available for domestic waste water treatment systems (septic tanks) are to be increased to €12,000 from €5,000.

Minister of State Dara Calleary has also announced that the qualifying condition that the septic tank must be registered with the local authority prior to February 1, 2013, will be removed.

He explained: “The changes, which will take effect from January 1, 2024, will mean that more households across Mayo will qualify for the grants and will be supported to upgrade or replace their tank by a greatly enhanced grant.”

Domestic waste water treatment systems collect, treat and discharge waste water from households that are not connected to public sewerage systems. They must be registered with Mayo County Council who may inspect them to ensure they do not pose any risk to the public and the environment.

Currently grants of up to €5,000 are available to repair, upgrade or replace a septic tank provided it was registered before February 1, 2013. The maximum grant will now be increased by 140% to €12,000 and will be available to all eligible septic tank owners.

Said Minister Calleary: “These are very important changes which will help households, including many in Mayo, by easing the financial burden associated with upgrading, repairing or replacing a septic tank.

“I’ve engaged with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien for some time in this issue and have given him feedback from many stakeholders including homeowners, local councillors and others advocating for these changes.

“I believe they will encourage more households in Mayo to avail of the grant and consequently help reduce the risk of environmental impact from defective tanks.”