The Tánaiste says no decision’s been made on setting water charges.
It emerged Irish Water could be given permission to hike charges if demand and usage is lower than expected. The issue will be considered as part of a consultation being overseen by the Commission for Energy Regulation.
The Commission says such a move might be approved if it was deemed necessary to meet the costs incurred by the company in running the water network. It’s also warned that the water charge may rise in times of drought or other shortages.
The CER says it expects to begin a public consultation on the tariff structures in Quarter 2 of this year, with a decision in the third Quarter.
It says the charge will be based on a number of factors – including the quality of Irish Water’s service, its commercial viability, as well as how Irish Water measures up with water providers in other countries.
Independent Donegal Councillor John Campbell, one of those opposing the council’s budget for 2014, says this latest revelation supports his contention that Irish Water is not about improving a service, it’s about creating a profitable business which can be sold on the open market…
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