WITH An Taoiseach estimating downwards the projected annual average cost of water charges for a family of four to €250, counter claims of what the real cost will be estimates families paying considerably more than that and Government opposition are calling for a full disclosure immediately.
Fianna Fáil Local election candidate for Cappamore-Kilmallock, Cllr Mike Donegan, says the Government must stop playing games over water charges and finally inform families in Limerick how much they will have to pay for their water next year.
Cllr Donegan was speaking as claim and counter-claim by Fine Gael and Labour representatives last week left many families angered about the lack of any clear information on how much they will be expected to pay for Water Charges in January.
“The behaviour of Fine Gael and Labour representatives over the past week was been nothing short of appalling. People are not stupid; they know full well the Government is delaying telling people just how much they will pay in water charges until after May’s local elections.
“This is despite the Taoiseach stating on numerous occasions that the information was only weeks away. People I am meeting on the doorstep every day are frightened by the continuing stream of misinformation they are getting from Fine Gael and Labour. Families have no idea what kind of ‘free allowance’ they will receive and if the elderly or those with illnesses will be entitled to extra allowances.
“How are people supposed to support the introduction of water charges when they were hoodwinked into paying the Local Property Tax? The Government promised that 80% of money collected from the Local Property Tax would go back into local communities; instead €500 million of the money collected was put towards Irish Water. Not one cent of that money has been put into fixing pipes and leaks but 40% of our water is lost through leaking pipes.
“Why should families in the Cappamore and Kilmallock area pay water charges when so much of all domestic water is leaking into the ground? Why should families pay water charges when there will be no consideration given to ability to pay? Why should families pay water charges when millions of taxpayers’ money has been spent on consultants’ reports instead of going to local amenities and services.
“The silence of the Government representatives in Limerick has been deafening. How can they stand by and watch the Irish people be forced into paying water charges when they made such a mess of the Local Property Tax money.
“The Government has no credibility on this; it needs to put politics aside and start being up front with households in Limerick and tell us just how much we are expected to pay in water charges come January.”
