Half of septic tanks in the country failed inspection last year

Public health is being put at risk by faulty septic tanks. An EPA report on Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems has found half of septic tanks in Ireland failed inspections last year, with 20% of those posing a risk to human health and the environment.

It also says enforcement orders to fix faults by local authorities is 'inconsistent'. Roscommon, Waterford, Leitrim and Tipperary had the lowest fix rates in the country.

Noel Byrne of the EPA says local authorities must make homeowners repair faulty tanks.