by Alan Jacques
SINN Féin councillor Maurice Quinlivan has called on Limerick’s Fine Gael and Labour Party TDs to state their position on the government enacting legislation to allow unpaid water charges to be deducted from people’s wages and social welfare payments.
Cllr Quinlivan insists that Environment Minister Alan Kelly’s refusal to rule out what would be a “despicable move” creates clear questions for the Limerick government TDs.
“Will they support the fast tracking on people through the District Courts to enforce payment? The people of Limerick deserve to know where their public representatives stand on what would be a draconian measure.
“The government are spinning hard to create the false impression that the movement against water charges has run out of steam. This is plainly nonsense. They have once again resorted to deplorable bully boy tactics and scaremongering,” he added.
When the Limerick Post contacted local Fine Gael and Labour TDs for a response, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan commented, “The Government hasn’t discussed proposals in relation to the non-payment of water charges. However, Minister Kelly has stated that there will be a very clear distinction between those who can’t pay and those who won’t pay.”
“I support this approach and look forward to discussing Minister Kelly’s proposals. Let’s be clear, we have under invested in our vital water infrastructure for decades. The new system, part funded by a charge, can provide us with the safe, secure and modern water service we need,” she said.
