Roscommon third highest in septic tank registrations

Roscommon has the third highest compliance rate in the country for septic tank registrations according to latest figures from the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). 67% of householders or 9,596 have paid the controversial €50 registration fee to date in Roscommon, amid a flurry of last-minute registrations countrywide prior to the February 1 deadline. Westmeath is not far behind with 65% registered, which accounts for a total of 7,911 of the 12,165 waste water systems in the country. Near neighbours Offaly and Longford both show rates of 61%. Only Kerry at 86% and Clare 73% have a better compliance rate than Roscommon in the latest county by county breakdown of the number septic tanks registered by January 16 last. As was the case with the household charge, Donegal has recorded the lowest rate nationwide with just a paltry 32% declaring their system to the new water authority. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan encouraged owners of septic tanks and other waste water treatment systems who have not already registered their systems to do so by February 1. He said that over 60% or 300,000 householders have already registered and are playing their part in protecting water, the environment and jobs. "Only those who have registered their systems by February 1 will be eligible for financial support if their system fails an inspection," he remarked, saying that the €50 fee can paid in council offices across the State, by post or online at www.ProtectOurWater.ie "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," Minister Hogan noted. The Environment Minister stressed that he is very conscious of householders' concerns regarding costs in repairing or upgrading their systems if they fail an inspection so he wants 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." Systems which have not been registered by February 1 will be at increased risk of inspection. The risk-based system of inspections, based on a national inspection plan is being finalised by the Environmental Protection Agency and will commence later this year.