WITH the installation of water meters due to roll out early next year, householders are now facing additional charges. The installation of metres is expected to take three years, and the Department of the Environment is currently preparing a strategy to implement funding. According to a Memorandum of Understanding with the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ireland is committed to undertaking an independent assessment of the setting up of a water utility with a view to commencing
water charges in 2012 and 2013 based on usage, above a free allowance.
Cllr Jim Long, an outspoken opponent, says that while final decisions on funding of the programme have yet to be taken, it has emerged that there are no proposals so far to introduce a flat rate water charge.
“I’ve had it confirmed that every household will receive a free agreed amount of water prior to the meter start-up and that it may be possible for individual authorities to look at a waiver, as they see fit, so, if this proposal is outside our control, I will be looking for a waiver.”
Meanwhile, Vincent Cribbin, Fine Gael head of internal communications, has confirmed that the Programme for Government also proposes the establishment of a new State owned water company, Irish Water, which will take over the water investment maintenance programme from the 34 local authorities.
Since the first intimations emerged some years ago that charges were back on the agenda, Cllr Long has highlighted the need for “wise conservation of water.
“Conservation is essential – it is used widely in Europe and other parts of the world, and over the years I’ve drawn the city council’s attention to established tried and proven methods of water conservation in households.
“However, I’m against the imposition of charges – Limerick city was the pioneer against refuse charges back in the early 90s and – now the problem is, we will have to find a way to include in the city budget provision to help disadvantaged people who cannot afford to pay for water charges, by providing them with a waiver – I will be looking for this
“On December 6 last, the Government signed up to the IMF bailout of which charges for water was part, but while I agree that in those circumstances, metering is the best way forward for households, it should be said that people can themselves harness and conserve water and by doing so, minimise their charges
“I will also advise how to harvest and reduce the amount coming through the meter, this should result in avoiding a bill I will very carefully monitor this proposal in the coming weeks/months.”
Cllr Long, who is the Fine Gael choice as the next Mayor of Limerick, adds:
“I will lead a campaign to avoid water charges but if it is part of the government programme and not within the limits of the council, we will have to find ways to ensure that it is not punitive on people”.
