Water charges are expected to return in Ireland, with a cap of €500 per year, targeting households that use abnormally large amounts of water. This decision comes eight years after the initial legislation was passed.
The Department of Housing has prioritized introducing these charges, despite Taoiseach's pledge that water charges will not be brought back. The opposition parties have accused the government of trying to reintroduce the charges through the "back door."
Attempts to introduce metered water charges in 2014 were abandoned following mass protests. The current Programme for Government started work on draft regulations for excessive water use charges. The Irish Independent revealed that finalizing these regulations is a high priority for new Housing Minister James Browne. However, the Department of Housing stated that there are no current plans to bring in excessive use charges.
Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane criticized the government's stance, insisting that water charges should not be considered at any time. He argued that the issue had been settled in previous elections, and there should be no domestic water charges.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy echoed this sentiment, highlighting the grassroots organization and mass protests that had previously defeated water charges. He warned that if the government proceeds with the plan, they will face massive public opposition similar to that seen a decade ago.
Both Cullinane and Murphy emphasized their commitment to resisting any attempt to reintroduce water charges, vowing to apply maximum pressure on the government to prevent such measures.
The Department of Housing has prioritized introducing these charges, despite Taoiseach's pledge that water charges will not be brought back. The opposition parties have accused the government of trying to reintroduce the charges through the "back door."
Attempts to introduce metered water charges in 2014 were abandoned following mass protests. The current Programme for Government started work on draft regulations for excessive water use charges. The Irish Independent revealed that finalizing these regulations is a high priority for new Housing Minister James Browne. However, the Department of Housing stated that there are no current plans to bring in excessive use charges.
Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane criticized the government's stance, insisting that water charges should not be considered at any time. He argued that the issue had been settled in previous elections, and there should be no domestic water charges.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy echoed this sentiment, highlighting the grassroots organization and mass protests that had previously defeated water charges. He warned that if the government proceeds with the plan, they will face massive public opposition similar to that seen a decade ago.
Both Cullinane and Murphy emphasized their commitment to resisting any attempt to reintroduce water charges, vowing to apply maximum pressure on the government to prevent such measures.
