Septic tanks not repaired ‘in hope of getting grant’

Homeowners are deliberately not repairing leaking septic tanks in the hope a random check by the local authority will result in a huge grant.

A Cork County Council division committee meeting heard that the countryside is being “needlessly polluted with human waste” due to the grants issue.

“I know of people who are aware they have a big problem with their tanks, but they won’t do anything about them because if they’re not inspected [by council environmental officers], they will not be entitled to a grant to fix them,” said Fianna Fáil councillor Frank O’Flynn.