Mud-slinging in septic tank debate

MINISTER FOR the Environent Phil Hogan does not envisage anybody being in “any financial difficulty” because of the requirement to meet imminent regulations for households with septic tanks.

During a heated, and at times personalised, debate in the Dáil on the controversial Water Services (Amendment) Bill, Mr Hogan said inspections “will indicate to us the level of hardship or otherwise that apply with those regulations”.

He told TDs during a rowdy debate at report stage (the final debate on the legislation before its completion) there were “mechanisms in place” to help people but “we can’t state that until such time as the inspections are carried out and we see the extent of the problem”.

The controversial legislation provides for a new inspection regime for septic tanks and a €50 charge for householders but the Opposition repeatedly called for the Minister to drop the charge.

As debate raged in the Dáil, up to 500 demonstrators protested outside Leinster House against the charge and possible costs involved in upgrading and improving septic tanks to meet environmental standards.

Sinn Féin environment spokesman Brian Stanley called for a set of agreed standards for septic tanks and treatment systems to be published. He said it was “clear to me that the Environmental Protection Agency will set out the standards” and these would be enforced by inspectors and local authorities, rather than the Dáil.

Independent TD for Kerry South Michael Healy-Rae claimed the Minister was giving “nonsense” answers about exactly what standards would be applied and he accused the Government of “terrorising people in rural Ireland” and handling the issue in a “shoddy, unprofessional, hopeless and shambolic fashion”.

Sinn Féin agriculture spokesman Martin Ferris called on the Minister to indicate the grant aid that would be provided to help people meet the required standards but Mr Hogan said he could not write a “blank cheque”.

He said last night that once inspections were complete and they knew what was required “then, and only then, can we look at any financial assistance that will be required for people”.

He rejected claims that the Government was involved in a “guessing game” and said they were being “prudent”.

During the debate the Opposition repeatedly called on the Minister to abolish the charge. Fianna Fáil deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív said that including the €50 charge in the legislation allowed for it to be increased, while Mr Stanley said it was “the thin edge of a very thick wedge”, because the charge could be increased by ministerial order and people could end up paying fees of up to €500. The debate is due to conclude today.