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THERE will not now be a
charge for the inspection of septic tanks but a
"very modest" registration fee will apply from next
year. |
The announcement was
made by Environment
Minister Phil Hogan yesterday.
North and West Independent MEP Marian Harkin organised
meetings in all eleven counties of the constituency
to oppose the imposition of charges for septic tank
owners.
"The purpose of my meetings was to inform citizens
as to the ramifications of the European Court
judgement against Ireland on septic tanks, to
outline how this matter is being dealt with in other
member states and crucially to influence policy
decisions by the Minister before the legislation was
presented to Dáil Éireann. |
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|
Marian Harkin MEP. |
"In this context I am
pleased that the Minister has decided not to impose
an inspection charge on homeowners as this was one
of the key issues raised at the series of meetings."
However, Ms Harkin called on the Minister to clarify
why there would be a charge for registering septic
tank ownership when the practice did not apply in
other EU areas. She accused him of side-stepping the
issue of the cost of remedial works which could
result from inspections. She said this would
"discriminate against rural owners of septic tanks
whose urban fellow citizens face no charge for
maintaining their sewerage services".
“Fairness must be central to Government policy in
relation to ensuring the future quality status of
ground and surface waters and this requires equal
support for those living in rural and urban areas,”
Ms Harkin added. |
