WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Septic Tank Grants
OVERVIEW
Last update: April 2024.
Can you receive grants for a septic tank replacement?
Find out more below:
Septic Tank Grants DWWTS
A brief overview
Back in 2013, Ireland launched its National Inspection Plan for wastewater treatment systems. On top of creating more regulations for septic tank owners, the government started to offer grants to help homeowners finance their sewage treatment solutions – whether that be replacing or upgrading.
The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) and the DWWTS were the two official financial aids available for the past few years. The HRI is no longer opened to applicants since December 2019, however the DWWTS has remained & is maintained by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
We invite you to visit epa (Environmental Protection Agency) website to get further information on how to qualify for financial assistance.
Introduction to the DWWTS (Domestic waste water treatment systems) grant:
The DWWTS grant schemes have been created by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government following the EPA’s National Plan Inspection.
It has the purpose to help homeowners with the cost of repairing their existing system, but also to support them with a potential upgrading or full replacement of their sewage solution.
There are three types of DWWTS schemes, with different qualifying criteria. Upon your application, an inspection will be organised with an inspector approved and appointed by the EPA. You will also need an advisory notice issued by the local authority under the Water Services Act 2012.
How to prepare for your inspection?
On the day of your inspection, a few documents have to be prepared ahead. Including your registration certificate and paperwork that your contractor would have given to you (installation, maintenance, servicing, repairing).
What will be inspected?
- Potential leaks and excess sludge in the system
- Focus on manholes, drains, and pipeworks
- Percolation area and the system’s discharges (the inspector will be looking for signs of potential pollution)
- Odours and noises coming out of the system
Read more about the National Inspection Plan here.
What are the different DWWTS grants schemes?
- National Inspection Plan (NPI): inspection and monitoring of DWWTS (Domestic Waste Water Treatment System), in order to help identify DWWTS that are not meeting the expected standard. It is the responsibility of local authorities to implement the plan on behalf of the EPA.
- Prioritised Areas for Action (PAA): Among this title, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has been creating a list of geographical areas chosen under the WFD (Water Framework Directive) based on water quality. If your area qualifies, you might be able to benefit from financial aid when it comes to repairing, upgrading or replacing your septic tank.
- High-Status Objective Catchment Areas (HSOCA): Check on an interactive map to see if you’re eligible for this particular scheme that offers a grant for wastewater treatment systems repairing and upgrading.
Summary table of the 2024 Septic Tank Grants
| NIP | PAA | HSOCA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relates to: | National Inspection Plan of septic tanks | Prioritised Areas for Action | High Status Objective Catchment Areas |
| Purpose of the grant: | To assist with the costs of remediation, repair, upgrading or replacement of, a domestic waste water treatment system (DWWTS) that serves a house. | To support the attainment of water quality objectives in Prioritised Areas for Action as outlined in the national River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 (RBMP). | To support the attainment of water quality objectives in High Status Objective Catchment Areas as outlined in the national River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 (RBMP). |
| To assist with the costs of remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or replacement of, a domestic waste water treatment system (DWWTS) that serves a house. | To assist with the costs of remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or replacement of a domestic waste water treatment system (DWWTS) that serves a house. | ||
| Conditions: | The works arise directly from an inspection carried out under Part 4A of the Water Services Act 2007 (as inserted under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012) | The house must be located in a Prioritised Area for Action in accordance with the RBMP. | The house must be located in a High Status Objective Catchment Area in accordance with the RBMP. |
| An Advisory Notice must have been issues by the housing authority. | The potential applicant has received a letter from the Local Authority Waters Programme Office (LAWPRO) on behalf of the housing authority, confirming eligibility to apply for a grant. | The potential applicant has received a letter from the housing authority confirming eligibility to apply for a grant. | |
| Level of grant: | 85% of the eligible costs of remediation, repair or upgrading works, or replacement of any such system subject to a maximum of €12,000, there is no minimum value in respect of costs. | 85% of the approved cost of the works subject to a maximum of €12,000. Minimum expenditure, on eligible works, required to process the application is €750. | 85% of the approved cost of the works subject to a maximum of €12,000. The minimum expenditure, on eligible works, required to process the application is €750. |
| More info: | T&C - DWWTS Grant under the NIP | T&C - DWWTS Grant for houses in a PAA | T&C - DWWTS Grant under the HSOCA |
Supporting documentation
The grant applicant must submit supporting documentation, including evidence of:
- Receipts from each contractor linked to remediation works.
- Copy of the contractor’s current tax clearance certificate issued to the contractor by the Revenue Commissioners.
Processing of application
You should submit your septic tank grant request to your local authority.
How can Tricel help?
We can help you by finding a suitable option for your new wastewater treatment system. Get in touch to discuss your project and request a quote for a septic tank or a wastewater treatment plant.
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