Irish Water connection charges
Deputy Cahill complained that Irish Water connection costs for rural one-off houses were excessive and refused instalment options. Deputy Donohoe said the matter was outside the programme for Government promise but noted the long tradition of rural private and group water schemes.
The programme for Government sets out admirable targets for the development of rural Ireland. However, the current cost of connecting to Irish Water for a one-off house in rural Ireland is exorbitant. An Irish Water connection costs three times more than a connection to the ESB service and in some cases it is twice the cost of sinking a well. Irish Water is abusing its protected position in the market and must be brought under control. To add insult to injury, it will not consider any kind of structured instalment payment arrangement.
Comment on this
The matter raised by the Deputy does not refer to legislation or commitment within the programme for Government. That said, I will make a brief comment on it. Historically, many rural dwellers have used group water schemes or private schemes to access water. That is why I am of the view that it is critical in any future discussion on water charges that we recognise those who have been paying for water for many decades.