merrion street

Speaking at a public meeting on the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 in Dundrum, Co. Tipperary this evening, Environment Minister Phil Hogan  announced a reduced inspection fee for the first three months and outlined the practical approach that will be taken to the inspections of septic tanks.

Minister Hogan said:

To act as an incentive for owners to register early, I have decided to set the registration fee at €5 instead of the proposed €50 for the first three months. I would encourage people to register before the 30^th June 2012 and avail of the lower fee.

The deadline for registration is March 2013.

The Minister spoke of the Water Services (Amendment) Act which was passed following 30 hours of debate in the Oireachtas.

This legislation has been deliberately framed to minimise the impact on householders who can be assured that if their systems are working properly and are being maintained the impact of the new system will be minor. We are adopting a very practical approach to the inspection guidelines.

The Act was introduced for three reasons:

1. Non-compliance with EU legislation

2. Protect ground water in rural Ireland

3. Protect jobs

The Minister also announced some of the practical standards that will be included in the guidelines. Septic tanks and waste-water treatment systems must be operational and maintained and the guidelines will outline some very simple and obvious examples of risks of a deficient treatment system.

To read the full press release and for more information on the guidelines click here.