Environment

Is there a grant available to upgrade my septic tank system?

A grant may be available to assist in carrying out remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or replacement of, a domestic waste water treatment system that serves a house.

However, there are restrictions on eligibility.  Details on this can be found on the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Governement here

Note that the routine maintenance, servicing or de-sludging of wastewater systems do not qualify for grants.

For further advice and guidance more information can be found on the EPA website. 

http://www.epa.ie/water/wastewater/info/grants/

Maintainance and Emptying of your Wastewater Treatment System (Septic Tank)

A short video clip on how to maintain your septic tank or domestic wastewater treatment system (source EPA Ireland): https://youtu.be/TOqqRvgamtc

Please contact the National Waste Collection Permit Office located at Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Telephone: 057 9357428 for information on who is approved to desludge your septic tank or other domestic wastewater treatment system.  A full list of approved contractors operating in Kildare County Council can be found on their website.  https://www.nwcpo.ie/permitsearch.aspx

Simply carry out a 'quick search' for 'Septic Tank de-sludging' and choose 'Kildare County' for a list of approved contractors to carry out this work.

Septic Tank Registration

The registration of your septic tank or other domestic wastewater treatment system is through "Protect Our Water" https://www.protectourwater.ie/default.aspx of the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government.  

Will my Septic Tank be Inspected?

Kildare County Council carry out inspections in accordance with the National Inspection Plan 2018-2021: Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems published by the Environmental Protection Agency. For further information on what to expect from a Septic Tank Inspection: https://www.housing.gov.ie/file/2527  

Applying for Planning Permission?

Information on making a planning application is available from the Planning Department.  Environment Section technical staff work with planners in the assessment of planning applications.  

Please contact the Environment Section on 045-980588 if you have a Planning query relating to an environmental issue (such as domestic wastewater treatment/septic tanks) and ask to speak to one of our technical staff dealing with Planning Applications. Information is also available from the EPA website on the links at the end of this page.

If you are applying for planning permission which involves the construction, retention or replacement of a septic tank or wastewater treatment system your attention is drawn to the requirements of the EPA Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (p.e <10). 
 
Link for the Code of Practice and further advice:

Link for an electronic format of the Site Characterisation Form for an On-Site Waste Water Treatment System http://epa.ie/pubs/advice/water/wastewater/code%20of%20practice%20for%20single%20houses/sitecharacterisationform.pdf

NOTE: If you are buying, selling or otherwise involved in a particular property and need to know if the septic tank system or wastewater treatment system is registered, contact Protect Our Water directly by phone on 1890 800 800 (between the hours of 10:00-12:00) or by email support@pow.ie

Do you own a septic tank or wastewater treatment system?  Summary of key points.

  • Regular inspection and maintenance is essential to protect public health and water quality.  
  • All owners of domestic wastewater treatment systems are required to register their systems https://www.protectourwater.ie/ Tel.: 1890 800 800
  • The responsibly for the operation and maintenance of these systems lies with the owner of the premises connected to the treatment system. 
  • Systems should be de-sludged regularly and by a contractor holding a Waste Collection Permit for this purpose.  Details can be checked at the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) Tel.: 057 9357428 or on their website at https://www.nwcpo.ie/permitsearch.aspx
  • Exclude grease, excessive bleach or chemicals, food, disposable items (e.g. nappies/wipes) and rainwater from your system. 
  • Keep a record of de-sludging or service works. 
  • The owner is required to ensure that the treatment system does not present a risk to human health or the environment.

Information Leaflets

Information leaflets listed below are available to download from the Publications section http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/YourCouncil/Publications/Environment/ 

"Buying or selling a house? What you need to consider about the septic tank or wastewater treatment system"

"Building a house? What you need to consider about your wastewater treatment system (including septic tank)"

"Have you completed a Septic Tank System Check yet? Information leaflet on Septic Tank Systems"

"Have you checked your well water supply? information leaflet for private well owners to ensure their well water is clean and uncontaminated"