Sinn Féin representative for Carlow/Kilkenny Cllr Kathleen Funchion has condemned the decision of the Government to approve a new household charge of €100 as a precursor to water charges and a property tax.
Speaking after the Cabinet approved the charge Cllr Funchion said: “By choosing to impose sweeping flat rate taxes on everyone the Government is abandoning its pre and post election promises to protect the most vulnerable and families on low incomes.
“The implication of this charge will be that there is less money to spend in the local economy. This will further undermine the retail industry especially and lead to even more job losses in that sector.
“According to media reports, Engineers Ireland has estimated that water meters will cost up to three times the Government’s estimate of €500 million. Engineers Ireland are also reported to concur with my party’s assessment that if water meters are introduced it will take many, many, years to even recover the cost of their installation and even longer to generate real savings.
“Instead of spending this money on installing meters the Government should increase investment in the distribution and fixing the existing pipe network. This has the potential to save much more water and would pay for itself quicker. The money required to do this should be raised through progressive central taxation.”
