Up to 1,000 protesters plan rally over septic tank proposals

Up to 1,000 protesters will converge on Cork City next week as part of the bitter public opposition to the Government’s proposals to regulate septic tanks.

Groups opposed to the proposed Water Services (Amendment) Bill — which provides for a new inspection regime for septic tanks and a €50 charge for householders — will march from Daunt Square to Cork County Hall next Friday.

A march in Dublin is also being planned, according to Paul Walsh, chairman of the Knockavilla Anti-Septic Tank Charges Group. More than 300 people from across Cork attended the group’s public meeting in Bandon last Wednesday.