Bannon says constituents are frightened over “scaremongering” on septic tank regulations
Deputy James Bannon
Local TD James Bannon (FG) hit out this week over what he describes as “a spate of scaremongering and false information” that has caused fear and distress to his constituents.
Deputy Bannon was speaking after a number of people attended his clinics “frightened and confused” over the new septic tank regulations.
“I am seeing people at my clinics that are unnecessarily upset by what I would call a malicious storm in a tea-cup,” he fumed, adding that the guidelines in relation to septic tanks “were not published yet”.
“I called for the suspension of Dáil Members who give false information to constituents and it is clear that the Minister has more than responded to rural concerns by offering a considerably reduced rate of €5 for the first three months of septic tank registration.
“It is an abuse of power for any elected representative to attempt to use the legitimate fears of constituents at a time when they are hard pressed to meet their financial commitments, to stir up ill-founded outrage. Until the guidelines are published and the inspectors have assessed individual cases, there is no point using a ‘fear by rumour’ campaign, to stir up anti-government sentiments.”
The local TD urged those with septic tanks to avail of the reduced registration fee, which has been decreased from €50 down to €5.
“With a maximum fee under primary legislation of €50, it makes sense to avail of the reduction and the saving of €45,” he added. “This concession by the Minister for the Environment will not impact to any significant degree on the implementation of the legislation.”
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
