A packed public meeting on the proposed Septic Tank charges has heard that Fianna Fail will be challenging the plan at every turn.
The meeting in Donegal Town, which was organised by Senator Brian O’Domhnaill, heard opposition to the plan by more than 200 members of the public.
The meeting was Chaired by Cllr Sean Mc Eniff and a detailed presentation was made by Cllr Paul Canning, an experienced architect and Site assessor.
Speaking at the meeting last night Senator O Domhnaill said “The legislation being proposed by the FG/Labour Government will effectively criminalise householders in rural Ireland with Septic Tanks.
“The Bill will, if passed, will impose a registration fee of €50 on 475,000 septic tank householders nationwide. The legislation also proposes inspection fees. This is Phil Hogan’s own legislation and it is entirely in keeping with his stealth tax agenda.
“The proposed bill also gives sweeping statutory powers to a band of private inspectors. Under the Bill it will be an offence to prevent an inspector from entering your premises, or to obstruct or impede an inspector when carrying out their duties.
“Fianna Fáil will be proposing at least 70 amendments to this discriminatory Bill, when it comes before the Seanad on Wednesday and Thursday next, in an attempt to protect the rights of rural householders.
“The Government Parties stifled democracy in the Seanad last week when five Fianna Fáil Senators were blocked from airing their strong views on this Bill.”
“I certainly hope that democracy will not be blocked in the same way this week when the Bill returns to the Seanad.
“It is our intention to fully represent the views of hundreds of thousands of homeholders who are being disgracefully penalised by Phil Hogan’s bill, simply because they do not have the luxury of access to heavily subsidised urban sewerage schemes.”