Fine Gael South Tipperary TD, Tom Hayes has hit out at misleading statements relating to the introduction of septic tank charges saying those debating the matter need to "get their facts straight".

Mr Hayes has urged people to re-evaluate the announcement made by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan and not make their own conclusions based on "a number of false and misleading statements".

"What the Minister is proposing is a one off €50 charge for the registration of all septic tanks in the country. An interval of five years is envisaged between registrations and the Minister has no intention of charging members of the public to re-register after that five years is up," he said.

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The introduction of the new legislation is an essential measure to avoid the European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland and issuing a €2.6 million as well as daily fines of €26,000.

Mr Hayes commented: "That amounts to approximately €9.5 million per year. Inaction is simply not an option for this Government."

Hayes added that this measure was a positive move and urged the public to remember the main reason for this legislation; to protect public health and the environment, by instituting a plan to vastly reduce polluted groundwater.

(HMcE/CD)