Septic tank inspection process is ‘crazy’

BILL BROWNE

CORK County Council is to write to the Environment Minister seeking an overhaul of the septic tank inspection process which has been described as “crazy” by one councillor.

The issue was raised by Cllr Frank O’Flynn (FF) who said the current system of inspection was creating health and safety problems rather than solving them.

Under the current system the council can only inspect septic tanks on a random basis based on what its environment director Sharon Corcoran said was a “risk rating matrix.”

However, Cllr O’Flynn said this system was unfair as it precludes households that have an existing problem from applying for a grant to fix their septic tanks if they have not already been inspected.

Asked by Cllr O’Flynn if there was any way round this, Ms Corcoran said the councils hands were tied on the issue.

“The whole process is predicated on national regulations that will only allow people to apply for the grant once their tanks have been inspected,” said Ms Corcoran.

“We have to base our random inspections on a risk rating matrix. We can’t just decide to inspect tanks just because people may have applied for a grant. The legislation is there and unless it is changed there is nothing I can do,” she added.

Cllr O’Flynn was not impressed with her reply.

“This is absolutely crazy. What you are telling me is that if someone has a major problem with their tank they can not approach the local authority for help to fix it unless they have undergone a random inspection,” he said.

“In other words you must fail the test before you can apply for the grant. It is disgraceful in this day and age that the council is not in a position to help those who have flagged a problem but can not afford to fix it without the help of a grant,” he added.

Cllr O’Flynn said he believed many faulty septic tanks are causing major health and safety issues.

“We know where many of these are but are powerless to give grant aid to fix them unless they are fortunate enough to be randomly inspected,” he said.

“This system must be overhauled to allow people most in need of the grant to apply for it rather than relying on being randomly selected for an inspection.”

Cllr O’Fynn’s stance was backed by his council colleagues, with Cllr Dan Joe Fitzgerald (FF) saying each of them had come across the same problem.

“I can see where council officials are coming from as they would be in breach of the legislation if they did offer to help. I suggest we write to the Minister seeking the regulations be changed,” he said.

While his call received the backing of councillors, Ms Corcoran said she felt it would fall on deaf ears.

“We have already written twice to the department on this issue to no avail,” she said.