The Government should put in place an inspection and certification scheme for septic tanks, following its easing of the guidelines for building one-off houses in the countryside, according to Independent Sligo-Leitrim TD Ms Marian Harkin. Tim O'Brien reports.
Ms Harkin said it was accepted that many houses had septic tanks "20 or 30 years old or older which are not working properly". Data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had clearly indicated that there was a problem with a large number of septic tanks.
She said that as the State spends "a lot of money" on urban waste water schemes, it was incumbent on the Government to introduce grants to help owners of septic tanks.
"Everybody wants these things to work. If the Government is serious about tackling groundwater pollution and easing the guidelines for one-off houses, then there should be some aid for the owners of septic tanks."
Acknowledging that a number of household cleaning products contain anti-bacterial ingredients which are harmful to the operation of septic tanks, Ms Harkin suggested a campaign to advise owners on the proper care and operation of the tanks.
"If the Government was to introduce a grant system for septic tanks it could then introduce inspections and ensure that they, particularly the older ones which may have been installed 20 or 30 years ago, could be brought up to standard. We all want clean water supplies, especially the people who live there," she said.