Madam, – The proposed water charges are the most graphic example of our loss of sovereignty. Debate on the issue is futile since it is part of the IMF bailout deal. The €500 to be spent on installing meters might be better spent repairing damaged water mains. This would save millions of litres of water every day and create far more local employment, but we cannot even debate the merits of this proposal because of the diktat of the IMF.
On their track record, the next item on the agenda will be the selling of the new water management company to some international conglomerate which will charge us an arm and a leg for the one thing we have in bucketfuls. – Yours, etc,
A chara, – In any of the recent discussions, to the best of my knowledge no mention or reference has been made to the many thousands who already pay domestic water charges.
Over many decades in several parts of the country people had no choice but to start their own group water schemes with little or no help from their local county council or national government.
People connected to these schemes are obliged to pay for water usage, maintenance, upgrading and administration of the scheme. Typically the charge ranges from €100 to many hundreds of euro per year.
I wonder why those who oppose water charges do not speak up for all those who have been paying water charges over many decades.These local water schemes have saved local authorities many millions over the years. – Is mise,
Madam, – The announcement by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan of oncoming water meters and charges (Front page, June 1st) brings a whole new meaning to the term parish pump politics. – Yours, etc,