Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships, the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government Phil Hogan T.D. encouraged owners of septic tanks to avail of the reduced registration fee of €5, before the deadline of September 28th 2012. The Minister thanked the 113,000 householders who have already registered and are playing their part to protect our water. The Minister noted that there has been a large increase in the number of registrations in recent days.

Minister Hogan said: "I want to take the opportunity to remind people they can only avail of the reduced registration fee of €5 until the 28th of September 2012 after that it will cost €50. Anecdotal evidence has shown that the introduction of the registration has already improved our environment with people locating their tanks for the first time in years and getting them de-sludged. People can register on www.ProtectOurWater.ie."

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The Minister explained the two main reasons for the implementation of the registration and inspection regime for septic tanks. "The key objective is to enhance and protect public health and the environment which will, in turn, benefit rural dwellers in terms of a better quality of life and better quality water. Protecting our environment will also have positive economic benefits for the tourism, recreation, agricultural and food-producing sectors, all of which rely on clean water. Clean water is vital for attracting inward investment and to support water hungry sectors such as pharmaceuticals and ICT."

(CD)