Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

I have serious concerns about the implementation of the proposals in the Water Services (Amendment) Bill. Since the introduction of percolation testing for domestic septic tanks in the planning application process there has been significant upgrading of the rules and regulations governing these tanks and treatment plants. There is a grey area with regard to the criteria the inspectors and local authorities use, and the subsequent policing measures. For instance, when percolation testing was initially introduced over 20 years ago it was under the regulations of the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Eolas was involved in it also. This was a subsidiary of the Department of Education and Scienceat the time.

The regulations were basic but they were effective and were commonly known as Standard Recommendation 6, or SR6. These regulations were replaced in 2000 by the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. We are all well aware of the significance of the EPA regulations, especially any Member of the Houses who has served on local councils. The EPA regulations were a significant step up from the original SR6 and I believe they are far too stringent. They prohibited many people from acquiring planning in rural areas over the past ten years, including people who wanted to live in their own locality. Many people were even refused permission on their own land. They were forced to move into estates in larger towns and villages, which was against their aspirations to live where they were reared. This was a consequence of the EPA guidelines.

My fear from the proposals in this Bill is that these EPA guidelines will be the required standards for householders who are deemed to need any remedial works done, no matter how minor. I foresee major implications for many septic tank owners. In these times of austerity, it will be beyond the financial means of these householders, especially where costly remedial measures are identified. I believe that most septic tanks are efficient. In some cases they may require regular de-sludging or ordinary maintenance works to be carried out.

The Bill contains many elements that are above and beyond the regulations that exist in the UK. We should carefully consider all the elements contained in it. We will have to amend it to ensure that the draconian measures contained in it will be avoided and practical measures adopted. The subsequent policy should be carried out in a common sense fashion and should be sensitive to the needs of the public and to the financial means of householders.

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