Mayo councillors bring water charging concerns to Commission for Regulation of Utilities

COUNCILLORS in Mayo are to bring their fight against multiple water meter charging to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Ireland's independent energy and water regulator.

'In view of our government not dealing with Irish Water regarding their multiple meter charging, we unanimously ask the CRU to directly deal with this injustice,' stated a notice of motion approved by members at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

Councillors have been lobbying Irish Water and government about multiple water meter charges which, in particular, affect farmers with fragmented holdings.

With nothing being done, Councillor Damien Ryan tabled the notice of motion to bring the matter to the CRU and get them to make a decision on it.

The multiple charges are a huge problem and it affects all rural Ireland, he said.

Some people don't have to pay for water at all, pointed out Councillor John O'Hara. Farmers were willing to pay but they shouldn't have to pay for every meter.

Councillor Patsy O'Brien said when Mayo County Council took over group schemes a charge of €100 for one meter was agreed, with the rest to be free.

That was the contract Irish Water took from the council. But they then came up with their own, charging €54 on every meter.

The councillor knew a man in Tourmakeady who has 11 meters, so his bill was nearly €600.

He felt Irish Water were in breach of the contract. “Surely when you take over something you honour the commitment,” he commented.