Council asked to assist with funding septic tank upgrades

Mayo Co Council is being asked to assist home-owners in carrying out septic tank upgrades in cases where they cannot afford to do it themselves. 

Cllr Chris Maxwell made the request at the recent meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District while discussing inspections being carried out by the environment section of the council on septic tanks around Mayo. He said he is aware of two people whose tanks were found to need upgrades, but who could not pay the thousands of euros involved. 

“Their concern is they know there is a good grant, but they don’t have the means to pay the money first upfront. One is an elderly man who is quite worried and he was wondering could Mayo Co Council, in cases like his, take it on board themselves to get the work done and then, where a shortfall is left, agree a payment plan with the homeowner to pay it off. 

"These people want to comply with the regulations and are worried sick as they don’t know what they can do. We have to take account of these isolated cases where people just can’t afford it.” 

Area engineer Heather Gibbons said that given that septic tanks are on private ground “that isn’t something the council would normally do". However, she advised Cllr Maxwell to ask the individuals to contact the council.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.