The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
MINISTER for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan has said while rural Ireland is facing radical upheaval, the imposition of septic tank charges is not a negative factor. He was speaking at the opening of the refurbished Kilkee library on Monday.
“Since we went into the EU in 1973, rural Ireland has been under pressure because of bigger farmsteads. Also, you’ve less farmers, who are the people who created activity in rural Ireland. Then you’ve fewer small businesses. The big multiples, the Tescos, the Aldis, the Lidls certainly are closing down all the small shops,” he said.
Asked if the Government is to blame for some of this decay in implementing the septic tank charges, Minister Deenihan disagreed.
“At this moment in time, the whole septic tank issue is not fully understood. People don’t want to understand it. It’s a European Court judgement and the main part of the judgement was that we didn’t have any register of septic tanks.
“They have it in Northern Ireland and they have it all over Europe. We have to address that. That’s why the minister reduced it to €5 because he wants people to register.
“Certainly, from a health point of view alone, I think it’s important that septic tanks are functioning. So I wouldn’t see how septic tanks or registration of septic tanks is a threat to rural communities. If anything, it’s to protect rural communities but unfortunately, it’s being twisted,” the minister stated.
As for the refurbished library, the Kerry-based minister applauded the fact that the theatre contained in the building seats 108 people.
“It’s very well designed and I’m sure people will be delighted to perform here. Certainly, this will be a great addition to West Clare. I’m very impressed with the level of community activity that’s associated with the centre for young people, teenagers and the elderly.
“People are buying in more to their local communities. They have to, to ensure local communities are sustainable and to ensure they will survive,” Minister Deenihan concluded.
