'Nominal fee' likely for septic tank registration

MINISTER FOR the Environment Phil Hogan said he expected to bring the legislation on the inspection of septic tanks and other on-site systems to Government in the coming weeks. “Full details of how the inspection system will operate will be announced at that time,” he added.

A “nominal fee” would be charged for registration, and it was intended that inspections would be targeted towards areas where drinking water sources or habitats were likely to be, or had been, affected by septic tank discharges.

Fianna Fáil environment spokesman Niall Collins said the Minister had said on Wednesday that he envisaged a fee of no more than €50. Rural householders would pay the €100 household charge in the same way as urban dwellers, but they would also have to pay the septic tank registration charge. “There is a perceived inequity in that respect.”

Mr Hogan accused Fianna Fáil deputy leader Eamon Ó Cuív, MEP Marian Harkin and the IFA of causing confusion by claiming that he intended to introduce a notional charge of €300 for annual inspection and maintenance. “I never said anything of the sort or conveyed that view.”

Sinn Féin environment spokesman Brian Stanley said €50 might appear to be a modest amount, but rural families were dealing with significantly increased school transport costs, the universal social charge, increased mortgages and higher fuel bills.

He added that there was a regime in other jurisdictions, particularly in the North, under which people did not pay.