Hogan to consider grants for septic tanks

Septic tank owners will not face “onerous financial responsibilities” under a new waste water inspection regime being introduced, Environment Minister Phil Hogan has pledged.

Regulations for 500,000 property owners using septic tanks and waste water schemes were signed off on by the Government yesterday. The septic tank regulations come as the minister said it was “likely” that Ireland would have to pay €3.6m in fines to Europe for breaching a waste directive.

Mr Hogan said he would consider a system of grants for septic tank owners who may have to upgrade their systems. However, the amount in grants and the numbers who may need them will not be known until after the new inspection regime begins in early 2013.