Push For Locals In Kildare-Newbridge MD To Access Grants For Septic Tanks

Friday, 19 June 2026 10:33

By Daniel Maher

There are Government grants available for septic tank upgrades, but the receipt of the grant is dependent on the area having been identified by the EPA.

There has been a push for locals in the Kildare-Newbridge MD to access grants to upgrade their septic tanks.

It follows a recent motion from Fine Gael Councillor for Kildare-Newbridge MD asking for confirmation about areas within the municipal district that have been identified by the EPA for inspections, so that households can apply for the grant to upgrade their septic tanks.

There are Government grants available for septic tank upgrades, but the receipt of the grant is dependent on the area having been identified by the EPA.

Last month, the EPA released figures that revealed there was a 41% failure rate for septic tank inspections in Kildare, with 59% nationwide.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Cllr Duffy said that older septic tanks are a "huge issue".

"There's a huge issue here around older septic tanks that need to be upgraded to reduce the risk of them overflowing into water courses or into peoples private drinking wells."

"There's people who want to access the grant but their area isn't being assessed."

Cllr Duffy added that he was "trying to push the council to get more areas identified, so people can access the grant [and that they are] readily available".

KCC didn't provide an answer at the time, but have said that an answer will be given to Cllr Duffy.

The full interview can be heard below: