by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
MORE than 250 people packed into the Malin Hotel
last week for a meeting to protest at proposed
septic tank charges.
The gathering was organised by the North Inishowen
Community Groups Against Septic Tank Proposals and
attended by all three Donegal North-East TDs and
five local county councillors.
All those present voted NOT to accept any septic
tank charges, which were labelled as further
‘discrimination against rural dwellers’.
Chairperson Paul Murphy, from the Glengad Community
Association, said there was a real feeling of anger
among those present.
“There was a huge feeling at the meeting that people
will not pay this charge but we need to ensure that
this wave of action is not allowed to fall by the
wayside. This meeting was the start of something
big,” he said.
Murphy said there is still confusion and uncertainty
surrounding the proposed septic tank charge.
“Is it a charge? Is it a registration fee? Is it an
inspection charge? Is it an annual recurring charge?
Is it a remedial works charge? Or is it a retro-fit
charge?” he asked.
“No it’s Minister Phil Hogan and the European Union
putting a community tax on the people. No other EU
state applies this type of tax,” he added.
He said septic tanks charges discriminate against
people who live in rural areas as those who live in
towns and cities will not be liable for the tax.
Others suggested rural people were being treated
like "second-class citizens".
Those present at the Malin meeting asked many
searching questions, some of which are included
below:
*Why is the government penalising people who have
already put in septic tanks in good faith and
co-operated with all the planning requirements?
*The Government doesn’t like retrospective
legislation to deal with bad bankers so why should
people accept retrospective legislation and
increased charges on septic tanks?
*This is nothing more than a fund generator for
central government and local authorities but where
will the money go? Will it be Dublin or Donegal? |
