by Chris Ashmore
MORE than two thirds of septic tanks inspected by Donegal County Council last year failed to meet the required standards.
The Council completed 126 full inspections and 32 follow-up verification inspections on septic tanks in 2025. The failure rate was 67 per cent with the main causes being defective tanks and percolation areas, unauthorised discharges (grey water) and failure to operate and provide power to secondary treatment systems.
The National Inspection Plan inspections recommenced in March and the focus this year will be on completion of inspections in protected areas, including river catchments, areas with pearl mussel and in bathing waters. Given the increased value and access to grant funding, the Environmental Protection Agency has demanded greater enforcement by local authorities, and this could mean a number of prosecutions in the county.