The Irish Farmers' Association has called for tax relief and grants for rural dwellers who have to upgrade septic tank systems.
The chairman of the IFA National Environment & Rural Affairs Committee, Pat Farrell said there must be a retro-fit scheme for rural dwellers, who could face higher compliance obligations as part of new legislation on septic tanks.
Mr Farrell was critical of the failure of the septic tank legislation to provide any assistance.
Mr Farrell said: "The €50 registration charge is a further unjustified financial burden on rural households and will raise over €20m.
"This funding must be ring-fenced and matched by additional Government funding, and used to encourage people to repair septic tanks and meet the higher standards."
Fianna Fáil deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív took also issue with the legislation.
He said he had asked for the Environmental Protection Agency to give some guidance on the standards of maintenance and upgrading that would be applied to septic tanks.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he warned that people were facing enormous expense.
However, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said the legislation had to be introduced under European Union law.
He accused Mr Ó Cuív of going around the country frightening people by spreading unfounded fear about the issue and drumming up short-term populism.
Yesterday, more than 100 people entered the chambers of Galway County Council as part of a protest against the new septic tank charges.
