Inspections
Laois County Council carry out inspections each year of septic tanks under the EPA National Inspection Programme. An information leaflet on what to expect from a septic tank inspection is available here (insert link to what to expect from a septic tank inspection pdf)
Grant Schemes
Since the 1st January 2024, after a review of the Septic Tank Grants scheme, 2 main changes have been introduced:
- A significant increase in maximum grant level from €5,000 to €12,000. Grant is 85% of approved costs.
- Removal of requirement to have Septic Tank registered to qualify for a grant.
Householders may be eligible for a grant in carrying out remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or replacement of a wastewater system that serves a house. Under the National Inspection Plan, a property owner can only apply for a grant following an inspection by Laois County Council and the serving of an Advisory Notice.
Find out more here.
Septic Tank Information and Advice
About one-third of all houses (500,000) in Ireland rely on a domestic wastewater treatment system (DWWTS) to collect, treat and discharge their wastewater. Septic tanks are one type of DWWTS.
When not designed or operated properly, DWWTSs are in danger of contaminating domestic wells or water sources. Contaminated water from DWWTSs can carry pathogens (bacteria/germs/bugs) and harmful chemicals that can cause serious illness and damage to the environment. It is the responsibility of the owner of the septic tanks/domestic wastewater treatment systems to maintain them in full working order including regular desludging of the tank.
Desludging of Septic Tanks/Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems
A list of contractors permitted to empty septic tanks/wastewater treatment systems is available from the national waste collection permit office www.nwcpo.ie.
It is an offence to use an unpermitted person/contractor to empty your septic tank.
Further Information
- What you need to know about your septic tank (insert link to pdf)
- Have you completed a septic tank system check? (insert link to pdf)
- Is your well at risk from your septic tank? (insert link to pdf)
- Have you checked your well water supply? (insert link to pdf)
- For Farmers: How to safely spread sludge from your septic tank (insert link to pdf)
Septic Tank Regulations Enforcement
Registration of DWWTS/ Septic Tanks
If you have a septic tank or similar domestic wastewater treatment system, you must register its details with your local authority and pay a registration fee.
New systems which have been installed or built after 1 February 2013 must be registered within 90 days of being connected. Replacements of previously registered systems do not have to be registered separately. There are 2 ways to register your system:
- Online at http://www.protectourwater.ie
- By post: Forms can be downloaded here (include link to ‘Protect Our Water New Account Application Form’). Cheques should be made payable to ‘Protect Our Water’ and posted to Protect our Water, PO Box 12204, Dublin 8.
Change of Ownership
To register a new owner of a DWWTS (for example, after the sale of a house) the new owner should contact Protect Our Water 01 6438484 for more information.