Dáil protests expected as septic tank legislation hits final stages

Further protests are expected today outside Leinster House as the controversial septic tank legislation enters its final stages in the Dáil.

The legislation, being brought forward by Phil Hogan, the environment minister, will pave the way for inspections of septic tanks to begin next year.

Under the new system, everyone who owns a tank will be obliged to register it with their local authority and pay a once-off fee of €50.

While there will be no further registration fee or inspection charge, householders will have to meet the cost of repairing tanks if they are found to be in breach of standards.

The final stages of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill — which will give effect to the new system — are due to be taken in the Dáil today and tomorrow, before being completed in the Seanad next week.

Hundreds of angry householders from the West of Ireland are set to voice their opposition to the legislation outside Leinster House today.

Community groups from the Connemara region of Co Galway will be joined by protesters from other parts of the West for the demonstration.

Cllr Seosamh Ó Cuaig (Ind) said the legislation was an attack on rural Ireland.

“Minister Hogan is not giving us the full story here and he is rushing this legislation through. There is huge concern right across the country on this issue,” he said.

Mr Hogan says the legislation is being introduced to comply with an EU directive and to ensure that groundwater, the environment and people’s health are all protected.

The legislation is being prioritised in order to avoid EU fines.

Mr Hogan recently said a public consultation process would take place once the legislation is passed.

“Before finalising the regulations on performance standards, including the requirements for maintenance and desludging, there will be a period of public consultation.

“Following enactment of the legislation, my department will draft standards with the Environmental Protection Agency and those guidelines will then be the subject of a public consultation. I encourage public representatives and members of the public to engage with the process and voice any concerns they might have.”

Details of the consultation process are expected to be announced shortly.