We will oppose introduction of water charges - O' Connell

The Chairperson of County Wexford Sinn Féin has said that his party will oppose the introduction of water charges and will lead the attempt to defeat the Governments Water Services Bill which was published last week.  Oisin O' Connell said that the introduction of water charges was a blatantly unfair move which would lead to the Irish people being taxe
d three times for every drop of water that they use.

Mr O' Connell said;

"The Water Services Bill confirms our worst fears.  As of the first of January next year the Fine Gael/Labour coalition plan on introducing water charges.  Incredibly, in a blatantly unfair move, the bill verifies that the government intends to tax the Irish people three separate times for the use of their water; in general taxes, through the national pension reserve fund and now through this new charge."

"The government intends to establish Irish Water as a subsidiary of An Bord Gáis Eireann.  This poses some serious questions as they have already made clear their intention to sell Bord Gáis.  Now a company that will have the power to install water meters on your property and tax the amount of water you use will be part of the deal."

"Irish Water will be given the power to access information on householders from sources including the Revenue Commissioners, Department of Social Protection, local authorities and the Private Residential Tenancies Board.  Not only is this a breach of your civil liberties, it also sets up the dangerous scenario where by a company with this power over you may be taken over by a private organisation."



"The introduction of water charges has nothing to do with water conservation.  If they were interested in conserving water then they would be concentrating on upgrading our antiquated water supply network.  Up to 58% of treated water is currently lost in our public supply system."

"Sinn Féin will continue our campaign opposing the introduction of water charges and will lead the attempt to defeat the Water Services Bill.  Fine Gael and Labour, and Fianna Fail who had planned to introduce this same tax, can expect firm and consistent resistant from under pressure families across this county who simply have no more to give."