This article is from page 23 of the 2012-01-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
SOIL quality in parts of Clare could be a “significant issue” under new legislation proposed for septic tanks.
Under proposed new legislation, householders with septic tanks and other on-site systems will be required to register the details of their system with the relevant local authority. A national register will also be compiled and held by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Homeowners will be required to pay a registration fee of € 50. Fianna Fáil estimates that the cost of upgrade works to be between € 7,000 and € 17,000. The party says this figure is based on inspection failure rates in Cavan where 25 per cent of septic tanks needed upgrading.
Concern has previously been expressed that homes in the west of Ireland will fall foul of the new regulations due to poor soil quality in the region. The matter was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of Clare County Council’s Environmental Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).
Senior engineer Paul Moroney told the meeting that clay soil is a significant issue in parts of East and West Clare. Mr Moroney said issues may also arise regarding karts limestone in mid-Clare.
Asked about the standards by which septic tanks would be measured, Mr Moroney said the regulations would aim to abolish the risk to human life.
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said this “risk-based inspection process” should take into account occupancy rates in rural homes.
Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) asked what the impact would be on houses built on small sites. He said some homes might have to be demolished to facilitate upgrade works to septic tanks in breach of new regulations. Cllr Kelly also proposed that a grant be made available to houses that require upgrades. Cllr Pascal Fitzgerald (Lab) said greater clarification was required regarding the cost of upgrades.
Mr Moroney told the meeting that the legislation regarding septic tanks had yet to be enacted.
An estimated 300 people attended a public meeting in Ennis last November.
Organised by Fianna Fáíl TD Timmy Dooley, the meeting was held to highlight growing concern among rural communities over the potential impact of new septic tank legislation.
Campaigners and farmer’s representatives have claimed that plans for new monitoring and inspection of septic tanks represent “an attack on rural Ireland”.
The new legislation could affect thousands of Clare homes.