Local anger over proposed septic tank charges

Concern has been raised about mooted new charges for a septic tank inspection programme which one Roscommon councillor warns will penalise people living in rural areas and could end up costing them thousands of euros. Speaking in advance of a public meeting on the issue in Curraghboy last night (Tuesday) organised by MEP Marian Harkin, Cllr Tony Ward expressed major worries about the potential impact of the charges on people living in country areas, who he claims will have to pay a fee to have their septic tank inspected and another once-off fee which it's estimated could be in the region of €300 while those living in urban areas have no charges imposed on them. "It's going to be a major issue for rural dwellers in South Roscommon and throughout the county," Cllr Ward maintains. "The big concern especially for older people is that if the septic tank is found to be not up to standard they will then have to make changes. A new puraflo system costs in the region of €3,000, you then have to pay for installation, a maintenance contract and as it stands you would need planning permission for a new system. There is a huge cost involved," he contends. The Independent councillor is calling this week for some clarity on the charges which he understands will be introduced later this year, and for the Government to examine a grant system for rural dwellers to help with the costs involved. "I'd be calling for some kind of grant, otherwise, how in the name of God are people going to pay out the money..There are multiple costs involved," he complains, adding that in Curraghboy where a sewerage system turned down by An Bord Pleanála people will have no choice but to pay the fee. He also raised questions about whether people living in the Hodson Bay and Creagh areas will be liable for the charges prior to the new sewerage schemes getting up and running in both areas sometime in 2012. "I'd be very concerned it seems to be the EPA who are pushing this to the extent that it is not even required by the EU," Cllr Wards adds, highlighting that his information is that inspections could start later this year. A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told the Westmeath Independent this week that as of yet they don't know what role, if any, they will have in the new septic tank inspection system. That is expected to be clarified with the publication of new legislation by the Government in the autumn. Organiser of last night's meeting in Curraghboy, Marian Harkin MEP claims that billions have been spent on providing waste treatment free of charge for urban dwellers and that in fairness the same support should be available to those living in rural areas. "It is accepted that a septic tank inspection programme is desirable but house owners who have provided their own sewerage systems at no cost to the state or the EU are being told that they will have to pay for inspections, and possible remedial works, while their fellow citizens in urban areas have no charges imposed." Meanwhile, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) National President Gabriel Gilmartin rejects the idea of either a tax on septic tanks or a charge for inspecting them. He has also welcomes the comments of Marian Harkin MEP who has launched a septic tank campaign. "People in rural Ireland are weighed under with taxes and charges but receive very little of the services and supports that apply in urban areas. Urban sewage is provided at no cost to urban dwellers as it is provided with the aid of national and EU funds. This is a further slap in the face of rural Ireland," he comments. "I am also concerned that this is just the latest in a litany of new inspections and bureaucratic interference, and has more to do with creating jobs for inspectors than saving the planet. The problem is that we need jobs that are based on real economic activity rather than artificial jobs based on bureaucracy that add nothing to the nation's economic output. Instead, all we are doing is taxing the rural economy and rural society out of existence," Mr Gilmartin concludes.