This article is from page 14 of the 2011-11-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A PUBLIC information evening on the controversial government initiative of septic tank inspections will take place at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis on December 2 at 8pm.
The Government is proposing that all 22,000 rural householders throughout Clare who have a septic tank will be required to have it registered and inspected regularly and replaced if not meeting the required standard.
The cost of upgrading or replacing a septic tank, together with carrying out work on a peculation area, could vary between € 5,000 and € 15,000.
Speaking in advance of the meeting, Local Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley said, “There is a lot of anger out there about the forthcoming septic tank inspections. I have had dozens of calls and queries to my office with regard to this issue.”
Deputy Dooley, who is organizing the meeting, added “These proposed inspections are coming at a time when many households are already under huge financial pressure. This is a further tax on rural living and creating a divide between urban and rural society.”
Deputy Dooley also said “that if these inspections are implemented then the Government should make a grant available to cover the cost of any upgrade, if required.
“That we all have a responsibility to protect water quality against pollution of any description. However, where there are instances of poor installation, management and discharge, the Government should assist in funding the upgrade of such works.”