Households to be charged €188 for a water leak

Irish Water is facing fresh controversy this morning after it was revealed how much it plans to charge households to fix a leak.
It comes as several senior members of Government are said to be hoping to change the company’s CEO and board in an effort to defuse the growing public opposition to the charges.
Householders with a suspected water leak are facing a minimum callout charge of 188 euro from Irish water.
The Sunday Times reports that this fee covers any problem detected after the first fix, which will be free.
The company has also sought permission to charge a minimum callout fee for working out of office hours of 282 euro for the first hour and 141 euro for any additional hour.
It’s also believed to be seeking approval from the Commission for Energy Regulation to introduce a range of other charges – including a 220 euro fee to test water pressure, and a 17 euro fee for a special meter reading.
It comes as newspaper reports today suggest many Government TDs are furious at the ongoing controversy caused by the company’s dealings with customers and fear it could cost them the next election.
Many senior coalition members are said to be considering changing Irish Water’s leadership and possibily the structure of the company in an effort to defuse the public’s growing opposition to the charges.