THE number of septic tank inspections has more than doubled across West Cork over the past five years, figures show.

The data also reveals that more than half of those inspected last year were found to be non-compliant.

Some members of the municipal districts of West Cork and Bandon-Kinsale said the rate of inspections is still too low because only after a homeowner receives a negative assessment can they can apply for a grant to upgrade their wastewater system.

The issue was discussed after a bi-monthly environmental report was presented by Ger Barry, the director of planning and environmental matters.

Mr Barry explained that the minimum number of county-wide inspections has increased from 60 in 2021 to 136 in 2026.

The number of septic tank inspections undertaken in the West Cork district in 2025 was 23, of which more than half (12) were non-compliant.

In the Bandon-Kinsale area there were 17, and 11 of these were non-compliant.

Mr Barry said five of the non-compliant cases in Bandon-Kinsale have been rectified, while just two of the 12 non-compliant cases in the West Cork area have been resolved.

He confirmed that 77 domestic waste water treatment grants, worth €349,322, have been paid out by Cork County Council since 2014. And he confirmed that the grant aid that is now available is 85% of approved costs, up to a maximum of €12,000.

Councillors welcomed the fact that a requirement that householders had to be registered for inspection before February 1st 2013 has now been removed.

Mr Barry said one of the key messages to get out to the public is that too much sludge in the tank is the reason for non-compliance in over 50% of cases. He said: ‘Householders are being encouraged to de-sludge their septic tanks.’

Cllr Daniel Sexton (Ind Ire) said Cork County Council needs to put pressure on Uisce Éireann to tackle the sewage problem at Shannonvale.

A wastewater treatment scheme that is leaking human waste onto the community green is also making its way into the Argideen River, and it is from that river that the drinking water for Clonakilty town is extracted.

‘This problem is going on far too long. People won’t drink the town’s water supply because they do not believe it is safe,’ said Cllr Sexton who added: ‘I don’t think it is safe.’

‘We have to put pressure on Uisce Éireann because sewage is flowing into the river, and it has been doing so for the last 28 years,’ he insisted.

Cllr Finbarr Harrington (Ind) asked for the grant criteria to be changed saying: ‘Depending on how you look at it, you can be either lucky or unlucky to be inspected.

‘People should be able to apply for the grant and have someone come and inspect it. That would be a far better approach,’ he stated.

Cllr Sexton agreed with him noting: ‘There needs to be a review of the grant scheme if we are serious about tackling this issue because the way it works now is crazy.’