Independent Ireland TD Richard O'Donoghue has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to meet him and Uisce Éireann to address septic tank concerns in rural Ireland, saying the utility is not listening to "common sense" on the issue.
Speaking during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil, Mr O’Donoghue said that Environmental Protection Agency figures published this week show that of 1,390 septic tanks inspected by local authorities, 82% were "inadequate".
He said the issue is impacting housing development, and is in his view partially related to the need for an "upgrade of treatment systems" as currently both water and sewage are "going straight into rivers" in some locations.
Criticising the situation, Mr O'Donoghue said he believes Uisce Éireann is "not dealing with anyone, they're not listening to common sense" on the issue.
"Separate the water from the sewage, that's all I'm asking," he said, before calling for meetings with Mr Martin and Uisce Éireann.
Responding to the request, the Taoiseach said "it is important we improve" on the septic tank issue, but defended the utility by saying "there are a lot of engineers in Uisce Éireann and a lot of them would argue that they know what they're doing".
Mr Martin said: "I will relay what you are saying to Irish Water [Uisce Éireann] ... I know the most favourite word among Independents is common sense" and that no party or grouping has "a monopoly" on it.
