Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (e.g. Septic Tanks) Grant Scheme

The Government of Ireland funds three national schemes in respect of upgrades to private domestic waste-water treatment systems serving owner-occupied dwellings.

The following tables summarises the key features of each of the schemes.

Scheme 1: The National Inspection Programme (NIP)

Initiation

Process

A householder may not request, or self-nominate for, an inspection.

Sites are selected in clusters by Limerick City & County Council (LC&CC) using risk-based methodologies and in accordance with annual quotas stipulated by the EPA. 

LC&CC then issues a notification of intent to inspect with at least ten working days’ notice to each selected householder.

  • If deficiencies are identified, the householder is issued with an Advisory Notice requiring remedial measures to be undertaken within a specified deadline.
  • Once works are completed, LC&CC conducts a Verification Inspection. 
  • If satisfactory, a Notice of Compliance is issued and the householder may then be eligible to apply for grant aid for approved works (See Note)

Click here to read the Terms & Conditions Document for this scheme.

Scheme 2: The Prioritised Areas for Action Programme (PAA)

InitiationProcess

A householder may not request, or self-nominate for, an inspection. 

Sites are identified by the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO). 

LAWPRO issues Letters of Eligibility to householders advising of the steps to be taken. 

Limerick City & County Council (LC&CC) has no influence over site selection.

  • The householder engages a Competent Person to evaluate the system and propose remedial works.
  • The Competent Person’s report and Application Form DWWTS PAA are submitted to LC&CC for assessment. 
  • Prior to works commencing, LC&CC inspects the system.
  • The householder is notified in writing if the proposed works and grant application are approved in principle.
  • The householder may then proceed with approved works subject to approval from LC&CC’s Planning Department.
  • Once these works are completed, LC&CC carries out a Verification Inspection. 
  • If satisfactory, the householder may then be eligible to apply for grant aid for certain qualifying works at this point (See Note).

Click here to read the Terms & Conditions Document for this scheme.

Scheme 3: The High Status Objective Catchment Areas Programme (HSOCA)

Initiation

Process

If a householder determines that their property lies within a HSOCA, they may request an inspection by Limerick City & County Council (LC&CC) but they will need to engage a Competent Person first to evaluate the system and propose remedial works.

You can check if your house is located within a HSOCA here.

  • The Competent Person’s report and Application Form DWWTS HSOCA are submitted to LC&CC.
  • Prior to works commencing, LC&CC inspects the system.
  • The householder is notified in writing if the proposed works and grant application are approved in principle.
  • The householder may then proceed with approved works subject to approval from LC&CC’s Planning Department.
  • Once works are completed, LC&CC carries out a Verification Inspection. 
  • If satisfactory, the householder may then be eligible to apply for grant aid for certain qualifying works at this point (See Note).

Click here to read the Terms & Conditions Document for this scheme.

Notes: 

  • Routine maintenance and servicing costs (e.g. de-sludging) are not eligible for grant aid. 
  • Grant aid is available at 85% of approved costs, up to a maximum of €12,000