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Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has accused critics of legislation proposing changes to rules governing septic tanks of “scaremongering” and “frightening” people in rural Ireland.

Mr Hogan said the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 is necessary to ensure Ireland complies with a 2009 ruling of the European Court of Justice, as well as improving water quality and environment protection.

The Minister was responding to criticism from Fianna Fáil deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, whom he accused of having an “agenda” on the issue. Speaking on RTÉ radio this morning, Mr Hogan said under the legislation there will be a €50 registration charge from next year and some tanks would be inspected to see that they meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines.

“There will be a universal registration system but in the area of inspection it will be risked-based, so it will be based around rivers, lakes, and streams that’s where the highest priority is in relation to ground water protection," he said.

“There’ll be a €50 charge for registration and there will be no further charges for any re-inspections or any call-outs. All we want to know is if it is working.”

However, Mr Ó Cuív said the Minister needs to clarify what the EPA standards will be as there are “huge” cost implications for people in rural Ireland. “It’s very, very simple and we do not see any reason why ordinary people out the country who built in compliance with planning at various times should now face a risk - because the Minster won’t even tell us what the performance standards are going to be - of spending up to €20,000 in upgrading systems that are producing clean water but do not conform to EPA standards,” he said.

But Mr Hogan responded by saying the Fianna Fáil deputy has been "scaremongering" people for the last couple of months that the Government is going to require the implementation of 2009 EPA standards.

“That’s for new build…He knows that but it doesn’t suit his agenda in order to frighten people in rural Ireland," said the Minister.

“I want to assure the people of rural Ireland that I will be introducing the scheme and all I want to know is the system that have in place working, and if it’s working they’ve nothing to fear.”

The Minister added that people who do not register septic tanks could face fines of up to €5,000 under the legislation.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011
LUKE CASSIDY
IrishTimes.com