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Fianna Fáil is holding a series of information meetings across Donegal to provide up-to-date information on the new septic tank legislation, the registration process and the grant aid available.
The local Fianna Fáil organisation says the aim is to assist householders who have been left in the dark due to a lack of information from the Government. The party says the Environment Minister Phil Hogan has imposed these new laws without addressing the concerns of septic tank owners in Donegal and across the country.
Fianna Fáil Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill said: "I have spoken to many septic tank owners locally over the past number of months who are confused about what this legislation means for them. It is clear that the Government has rammed through this legislation without informing the public of its implications or the new standards that must be met. The Government's approach to this has been completely unfair from the beginning, particularly on rural dwellers.
"We have organised these meetings to provide a forum to answer people’s questions and ensure that they get the maximum grant available to them. All of the meetings will take place before the 1st February deadline for septic tank registration. Minister Hogan has set this strict condition for eligibility for grant aid of up to €4,000.
"While it is welcome that the Government caved into pressure from Fianna Fáil and interest groups on making grant aid available, it is disappointing that the Minister insisted on capping this at €4,000 considering that some septic tank upgrades may involve much higher costs. I have raised this matter with the Minister directly and have appealed to him to extend the registration deadline to end of April so that the new inspection standards can be published and scrutinised by all."
Senator Ó Domhnaill said anyone who wishes to attend the meetings is very welcome to do so. A detailed presentation will be provided at each meeting by Cllr Paul Canning, who is an experienced Architect and Qualified Site Assessor.
(CD/GK)
