The inequity which will arise between urban and rural dwellers if a septic tanks inspection charge is implemented is unacceptable and has to be opposed.
That is according to Marian Harkin MEP when she announced a series of meetings to debate the issue and encourage opposition to the introduction of septic tank inspection charges and consequent costs which could arise for rural dwellers.
“Those who use septic tanks for sewerage treatment have provided them at their own expense and service them at their own expense,” she said. “Urban dwellers, on the other hand, have had billions provided to install and maintain sewerage services completely free of charge. The reason for introducing this inspection regime is attributed to a European Court decision but it is interesting that no such regime is imposed in the six counties of Northern Ireland.
“The inspections are to be carried to by a corps of engineers to be trained by the EPA and the plan will be for septic tanks owners to fund them and any subsequent remedial works.
“The basic unfairness involved in this Government plan is emphasised by the fact that it is accepted by the EPA, and is reflected in all of the River Basin Plans, that by far the greatest polluter in the State are the local authorities. However the inadequacy of plans to remedy this situation can be seen in current funding of treatment works and the certainty that there will be an even greater funding deficit in the coming years.
“Rural dwellers must not be selectively penalised for the failure of successive governments to adequately fund waste treatment, and the voice of rural dwellers must be heard strongly in the coming weeks before legislation is proposed in the autumn. I would urge all rural dwellers to make strong and immediate representations to local and national political representatives to urge them not to permit this further cost imposition which is not borne by those who live in urban areas,” Ms Harkin concluded.
The meetings organised by Marian Harkin MEP will be held in Roscommon on Tuesday, August 9, St Brigids’s Handball Complex, Curraghboy at 8pm, Galway on Wednesday, August 10, Kilconnell Hall at 8pm, Clare on Friday, August 12, Templegate Hotel, Ennis at 7pm.
