Not registering can mean a fine of up to €5,000. Check if yours is registered at protectourwater.ie or on 01 643 8484.
Quick facts
- Registration fee
- €50
- Fine for not registering
- Up to €5,000
- Grant
- 85%, up to €12,000
- Was
- €5,000 before 2024
- Inspection notice
- At least 10 working days
- Not covered
- Routine desludging
Register it
"There is a fee of €50 to register your waste water treatment system." Register online at protectourwater.ie. "If you do not register your system and are convicted, you could be fined up to €5,000."
Inspections
"They will give you at least 10 working days' notice before the inspection." Have your registration certificate and any installation or maintenance papers ready. "If the inspector finds issues with your system, you will get an advisory notice within 21 days of the inspection."
The grant
"You can apply for funding for 85% of the cost of the repairs to your system or a new system, up to a maximum of €12,000." "The grant increased from €5,000 to €12,000 and the qualification criteria changed so people could get the grant even if they hadn't registered their septic tank by 1 February 2013."
One grant follows an inspection; two others are for specific areas, where the council tells you you're eligible. "You cannot get a grant for the routine maintenance, servicing or de-sludging of a treatment system." Apply to your council's rural water section.
Common questions
How much is the septic tank grant in Ireland?
85% of the cost of repairs or a new system, up to €12,000.
Do I have to register my septic tank?
Yes, with your local authority, for €50. Not registering can bring a fine of up to €5,000.
Can I get the septic tank grant if I registered late?
Yes. Since 1 January 2024 you can qualify even if you didn't register by 1 February 2013.
Does the grant cover desludging?
No. Routine maintenance, servicing and desludging aren't covered.