Grant Scheme for septic tank works.

Environmental Minister Phil Hogan has announced for a grant scheme for septic tank remedial work, but only for householders who register their waste systems before the end of January deadline.

The level of grant is to be based on household income. Families earning less than €50,000 will receive grant assistance for 80% of costs incurred for any remedial works carried out, up to maximum grant of €4000. For households with an income between €50,000 and €75,000, the grant will be half the costs incurred up to a maximum grant of €2,500.

The grant is only for systems that have failed an inspection and is for recommended remedial work.

The Minister also announced for group sewerage schemes from €2,031 to €6,500 per house or 75% of the cost of the scheme, whichever is the lesser.

Launching the scheme Minister Hogan said: “I am very conscious of householders’ repairing or upgrading their system if they fail an inspection”

He added: “Only systems registered by 1 February 2013 will be eligible.”

To date, 290,000 have registered their septic tanks. This is 58% of the 497,000 systems indicated by the 2011 census.

Most of these registrations occurred at the €5 introductory charge that was available until 1 October. The registration fee is currently €50. Unregistered systems are more likely to be inspected.