There may be light at the end of the tunnel for Tipperary residents who have faced major headaches with sewerage problems.
Since Irish Water took over the operation of water and waste water supplies from the county council many people have been forced to pay for works previously carried out by the local authority.
Combined drains were used in the construction of many housing developments over the years with the pipes in many instances running to the rear of the property.
Up to now Irish Water have said that any blockage or problems with these are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Fine Gael councillor Marie Murphy has raised the issue with the head of the utility Gerry Grant who said they would now adopt a common sense approach on a case by case basis.
