The European Commission is to ask the Court of Justice to impose fines on Ireland for failing to comply with directives relating to septic tanks.
There are more than 400,000 septic tanks in Ireland and poorly designed models, or those badly maintained, are polluting groundwater and putting health at risk.
This is a long-running dispute centres on the EU Waste Framework Directive, which attempts to ensure that waste is disposed of without endangering human health or harming the environment.
In 2009, the European Court of Justice ruled that Ireland had failed to comply when it came to septic tanks.
To date, there is still no legislation on the statute books to provide for regular inspections that ensure householders abide by manufacturer's stipulations.
The European Commission has had enough, despite a statement by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan in April that proposals would be going to Cabinet shortly to resolve the problem.
The Commission said 'human health is put at risk because pathogens can enter drinking water'.
If the Court supports the Commission, Ireland will be subject to a lump sum fine plus daily fines.
The lump sum fine requested by the Commission is €2.7m plus a daily penalty €26,173.
However, it is a matter for the court to decide on the amount.
Asked if the legal action was not being taken too early given the commitment by Mr Hogan to deal with the matter urgently, a spokesman said the Irish Government is already one-and-a-half years late on taking action.
He added the country could still take action before the Court ruled on the matter.
