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Guides › Grants

Septic Tank Grant

The septic tank grant covers 85% of the approved cost of repairing, upgrading or replacing a domestic waste water treatment system, up to €12,000. It's generally available after a council inspection finds a fault, or in certain priority areas, and you must apply before work starts.

  • 85% of the cost
  • Up to €12,000
  • After an inspection or in priority areas
  • Apply before work starts
Get free quotes Call 083 056 8710

Last checked: October 2026. Official source: Local Government: Septic tank grant. Emergency Trade is independent and not part of SEAI or any council. Always confirm details with the official source before applying.

Who qualifies?

The grant is not universal. You can generally apply if:

  • A council inspection found your system isn't working properly, or
  • Your home is in a priority area for water quality and you've been notified you're eligible

The house must be at least 7 years old and must not have had a septic tank grant in the last 7 years. Since 2024, you no longer need to have registered your system by 2013 to qualify.

What it covers

  • Repairing or upgrading an existing system
  • Replacing a failed system
  • Works carried out to the EPA's code of practice

Routine maintenance, servicing and de-sludging aren't covered.

How to apply

  1. Receive your inspection result or eligibility letter.
  2. Arrange a site assessment if needed, such as a percolation test.
  3. Get quotes from qualified installers.
  4. Apply to your council and wait for approval.
  5. Complete the works; the grant is paid once they're signed off.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the septic tank grant?

85% of the approved cost, up to €12,000.

Can anyone apply?

No. It's generally for systems that failed an inspection or homes in priority areas that have been notified.

Does it cover de-sludging?

No. Routine maintenance and de-sludging aren't covered.

Do I need to have registered my septic tank?

Since 2024, registration by 2013 is no longer a requirement for the grant.

Find vetted contractors for this work

By area:

  • North Dublin City: Artane, Cabra, Clontarf, Coolock, Drumcondra, East Wall, Fairview, Glasnevin, Phibsborough, Stoneybatter
  • Dublin 15: Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Mulhuddart, Ongar, Hansfield, Ashtown
  • Dublin North Coast: Raheny, Baldoyle, Donaghmede, Howth, Sutton, Portmarnock, Malahide
  • South Dublin City: Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Sandymount, Ranelagh, Rathgar, Harold's Cross, Churchtown, Dundrum
  • Dún Laoghaire & South Coast: Blackrock, Booterstown, Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney
  • North County Dublin: Swords, Lusk, Rush, Skerries
  • Stillorgan, Sandyford & Foxrock: Mount Merrion, Stillorgan, Goatstown, Sandyford, Cherrywood, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Deansgrange
  • West Dublin & Leixlip: Chapelizod, Palmerstown, Lucan, Leixlip, Adamstown, Clondalkin
  • South West Dublin: Tallaght, Citywest, Firhouse, Knocklyon, Ballyboden, Templeogue, Walkinstown, Kimmage, Rathfarnham, Terenure

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