Sat 18 May 2024, 1:00 PM
Almost half of all septic tanks inspected in Cavan by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were found to be non-compliant, with a worse situation recorded in neighbouring Co Monaghan.
According to a new study, which upholds the EPA’s National Inspection Plan for the years 2022-2026, 16 out of 33 tanks inspected in County Cavan were found either not built or maintained properly, and a staggering 27 septic tanks out of 44 failed to meet compliance standards in Monaghan.
The recent inspection results highlight significant issues with the state of septic tanks in certain regions, and comes against a backdrop in which the EPA is working to ensure the proper functioning of such systems, especially those located near rivers and in areas where septic tanks are co-located with household drinking water wells.
Local authorities have been tasked with completing a minimum of 1,200 inspections annually from 2023 onwards as part of the 2022-26 plan.
Comparing these figures to the previous year’s inspections, the situation appears to be worsening.
In Cavan, nine systems failed inspections in the preceding year; while 11 failed in Monaghan.
Nationwide, the overall picture is just as alarming, with almost half of the septic tanks inspected by the EPA found to be faulty, highlighting a systemic issue that requires urgent attention and action from both authorities and homeowners.
In response to these findings, the EPA is urging the public to ensure regular maintenance of their septic tanks and to take advantage of government grants available for repairs.
Noel Byrne, EPA programme manager said: “It is unacceptable that the number of septic tanks left un-fixed for more than two years continues to rise. Greater enforcement is needed by local authorities to ensure failed systems are fixed. Where faulty septic tanks are not being fixed, particularly given the availability of the enhanced grant scheme, local authorities need to use their enforcement powers to protect the environment and public health.”
Sat 18 May 2024, 1:00 PM
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