The Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D., has today (16th January) encouraged owners of septic tanks and other waste water treatment systems who have not already registered their systems to do so by 1st February. He said that over 60% (300,000) householders have already registered and are playing their part in protecting our water, our environment and our jobs. Details of the number of registrations, on a county-by-county basis, are set out below in Notes for Editors.
Minister Hogan said; “I want to take the opportunity to remind people that there are only 15 days left to register domestic waste water systems. Only those who have registered their systems by 1st February will be eligible for financial support if their system fails an inspection.”
“Over 60% of owners with Septic Tanks have registered their systems. When you compare this figure with Scotland, where there was a free registration regime in 2008-2009, only 20% of the estimated 1000,000 on-site systems registered, it is clear that the Irish people recognise that by protecting our water, we protect our health, environment and jobs.”
“I am very conscious of householders’ concerns regarding costs in repairing or upgrading their systems if they fail an inspection so I want to reassure people again that they will be assisted in meeting those costs if remedial works are necessary. Last month, I announced a grant scheme of up to 80% for those earning up to €50,000 to a maximum of €4000 and a 50% grant for those earning between €50,001 and €75,000 up to €2,500.”
Under 2012 legislation, homeowners who have a septic tank or other domestic waste-water treatment system need to register their system by 1st February 2013. Systems which have not been registered will be at increased risk of inspection. The risk-based system of inspections, based on a national inspection plan being finalised by the Environmental Protection Agency, will commence in 2013. Systems which have not been registered will be at increased risk of inspection.
The registration fee is €50 and there are a number of registration and payment options:
1. Online at www.ProtectOurWater.ie
2. By Post: Forms can be obtained in City/County Councils, libraries and Citizens Information Centres or by calling LoCall1890-800 800 for information. Cheques should be made Payable to ‘Protect Our Water’ and posted to: Protect our Water, PO Box 12204, Dublin 7.
3. Local Authority Office (there is no administration fee)
Ends
Notes for Editors:
Per LGMA, there has been a significant increase in online registrations over the past 3 days.
At 08.00 on 13/01/13 - online registrations = 205 for previous 24 hrs
At 08.00 on 14/01/13 - online registrations = 314 for previous 24 hrs
At 08.00 on 15/01/13 - online registrations = 720 for previous 24 hrs
At 08.00 on 16/01/13 - online registrations = 1024 for previous 24 hrs
Over 98% those registered did so when the €5 fee applied.
Over 60% owners have registered
Based on census 2011, there are 497,281 septic tanks or similar systems in Ireland
Registrations processed as of 14 January 2013.
Water Services Authority Estimated total number of on-site waste water treatment systems (Census 2011) Number of on-site waste water treatment systems registered
Number of on-site waste water treatment systems registered as a percentage of the estimated total number
Carlow County Council 7190 4,342 60%
Cavan County Council 14477 9,233 64%
Clare County Council 19769 14,521 73%
Cork City Council 586 381 65%
Cork County Council 57993 28,165 49%
Donegal County Council 32955 10,471 32%
Dublin City Council 2718 80 3%
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council 1928 755 39%
Fingal County Council 5213 1,918 37%
Galway City Council 1145 455 40%
Galway County Council 42161 20,903 50%
Kerry County Council 28277 24,188 86%
Kildare County Council 16795 8,583 51%
Kilkenny County Council 15368 9,408 61%
Laois County Council 11309 6,733 60%
Leitrim County Council 7005 4,608 66%
Limerick City Council 420 154 37%
Limerick County Council 24207 13,842 57%
Longford County Council 7556 4,641 61%
Louth County Council 11633 4,854 42%
Mayo County Council 26659 16,437 62%
Meath County Council 21687 12,497 58%
Monaghan County Council 12065 5,847 48%
North Tipperary County Council 12342 7,897 64%
Offaly County Council 11170 6,781 61%
Roscommon County Council 14297 9,596 67%
Sligo County Council 11192 6,857 61%
South Dublin County Council 2266 714 32%
South Tipperary County Council 14442 8,651 60%
Waterford City Council 488 285 58%
Waterford County Council 11466 5,563 49%
Westmeath County Council 12165 7,911 65%
Wexford County Council 26267 14,562 55%
Wicklow County Council 12070 7,647 63%