The septic tank charge is nothing else than a way of forcing “householders to once again foot the bill of Government negligence”.
This is the view of Sinn Féin senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh who was responding to the contentious Water Services Amendment Bill. The An Cheathrú Rua man said the bill, which contains the septic tank charge is “a policy of discrimination” which will “punish rural households”.
“This Government seems reluctant to deal with our huge, unsustainable banking debt,” he said. “They are, however, intent on dealing with those in financial difficulty, mortgage debt and reliant on social welfare payments.”
Sen Ó Clochartaigh also said that many questions regarding how the septic tank charge will be implemented remain to be answered.
“So far we know that Government inspectors will be sent out to rural homes to assess septic tanks,” he said. “However we remain completely in the dark with regard to the standards and criteria to be adopted.”
Sinn Féin has demanded that Environment Minister Phil Hogan publish the standards so that TDs and the public know how this legislation will impact on rural households. The party has also asked for details on how householders can upgrade their septic tanks during a time of austerity.
“Upgrading may cost anything up to €17,000,” said Sen Ó Clochartaigh, “but the minister has at best been vague and at worst dismissive of people’s financial concerns. In fact the bill contains threats of fines of up to €5,000 for those who cannot comply with the upgrades.”
Sinn Féin is calling for financial assistance to be provided to those who need it in relation to septic tank charge upgrades.
