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"Septic tank grants could be
available" - MEP
02.02.12
NORTH and West MEP
Marian Harkin has raised hopes that septic tank
remedial works might be grant aided under the Common
Agricultural Policy.
“Today I received a response from Commissioner
Johannes Hahn to my query concerning the use of the
European Regional Development Fund to upgrade septic
tanks and his reply indicates that in qualifying
areas, and through a measure in the rural
development pillar of the CAP, funding could be
provided," said Ms Harkin. |
“I will be asking the
Minister for the Environment to immediately examine
what possibilities exist and in particular what
areas of the country, in the context of the current
economic downturn, may qualify for aid under the
Regional Fund.
"Concurrently the possibilities existing in the
European Rural Development Fund should be explored
as it contains measures to improve small scale rural
infrastructure including that for waste water
treatment."
Legislation governing the inspection of septic tanks
was passed yesterday in the Seanad. |
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Marian Harkin, MEP. |
Ms Harkin added: "...It
is imperative that the standard under which septic
tanks will be inspected reflects the relatively low
pollution caused to the country’s ground and surface
waters from them.
"Ireland has one of the highest quality water
standards in the EU currently. However it is
imperative that the Minister puts in place a
comprehensive package to upgrade septic tanks where
needed and now with the reply from Commissioner Hahn
that there are two possible sources of European
runding, it should assist them in doing so." |
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