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THE CONTROVERSIAL legislation providing for the inspection and registration of septic tanks at many thousands of homes, farmhouses and holiday dwellings has been published.

The Department of the Environment denied Opposition claims that the Bill is riddled with hidden charges. Fianna Fáil deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív said the Bill was even worse than expected, with a €50 registration fee and €200 for a second inspection.

Homeowners forced to upgrade could have to pay thousands of euro to meet the standards set, he added.

“Despite assurances from the Environment Minister Phil Hogan that he would not impose inspection charges on septic-tank owners, this Bill is riddled with stealth taxes in the form of repeated inspection charges,” he said.

“Only the first inspection is free. Subsequent inspections will cost €200 each time, on top of the cost of any necessary upgrade works.”

There was no provision for grants to septic tank owners needing upgrades and Fianna Fáil would oppose the Bill “tooth and nail”.

The department said there was no question of multiple inspection charges or stealth taxes as stated by Mr Ó Cuív.

“The Bill does provide for procedures for householders to appeal the result of an inspection. Following an inspection which indicates that a system is not being operated or maintained correctly, or is endangering human health or the environment, you will be served with an advisory notice by your local authority,” it went on.

“If somebody is dissatisfied with the advisory notice, you can apply to the local authority for a re-inspection.

“A fee will be payable for this but it will be refunded if the advisory notice is cancelled as a result of the reinspection.”

The department’s original statement said the inspection fee was €50 and it was envisaged that registration would take place every five years.

Inspection would be concentrated on areas with higher risks to the environment and would also be carried out in lower-risk areas at a lower rate

The Irish Farmers’ Association called on the Minister to clarify immediately if the registration charge he was seeking to impose was a once-off.

It said supports must also be provided for rural dwellers who were required to upgrade their septic tank systems because of this new regulation.

The Irish Rural Link organisation also sought further clarification on plans to minimise or waive the cost and disruption to families affected by social and economic disadvantage.

Friends of the Irish Environment said the proposed risk-based inspection programme for septic tanks would not meet the terms of the European Court of Justice judgment on the issue.

“The Government’s proposal does not meet that standard and so risks further infringement proceedings, as well as leaving the environment at risk from the estimated one-third of the 400,000 septic tanks across Ireland that are currently polluting the environment,” it said.

SEÁN Mac CONNELL, Agriculture Correspondent (Irish Times)