MINISTER for Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan TD has announced there will be public consultation on septic tanks performance standards. The Minister issued the news during the Select Sub-Committee on Environment, Community and Local Government on foot of the legislation being enacted next week. “Before finalising the regulations on performance standards, including the requirements for maintenance and desludging, there will be a period of public consultation,” he stated. “Following enactment of the legislation, my Department will  draft standards with the Environmental Protection Agency and those guidelines  will then be the subject of a public consultation. I encourage public representatives and members of the public to engage with the process and voice any concerns they might have.”
The Minister says that the legislation will provide for a proportionate and risk-based approach to inspections.
“Inspections will be concentrated on sensitive areas with higher risk to the environment and public health. Only a minority of systems will need attention.” 
As a result of a European Court of Justice ruling that dates back to 2009, the legislation is needed to prevent Ireland being faced with  large fines, more than €9.5 million per annum. Ireland has to summit it rejoinder to the ECJ on February 3.