Sports clubs, schools, community, and voluntary facilities should be exempt from water charges, as such organisations are already finding it difficult to meet existing overheads.
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish who, while speaking on the Water Services Bill in the Dáil this week, said the Government “should recognise the punitive nature of these charges and the effect they have on communities”.
Dep Grealish pointed out that over the last couple of years schools have seen a significant reduction in capitation grants together with rising costs, and reduced State support, while sports clubs are “largely dependent on fundraising to stay afloat”.
“Additional water charges will place a huge burden on active clubs,” he said. “I will be seeking an amendment to the Water Services Bill to implement these exemptions.”
