Water Charges high on agenda at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Next month’s Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Wexford town will condemn the already failed Irish Water company and offer alternatives to water charges according to local election candidate Fionntán O’ Súilleabháin.  The Gorey based teacher said that the recent wasting of €85 million by a company which continues to issue veiled threats that it will cut off the water supply to people who cannot afford to pay the new tariff was proof that Irish Water was already a failed entity.

Mr O’ Súilleabháin said;

“Up to two thousands delegates will attend the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Wexford towns Opera House on the 7^th and 8^th of February.  One of the things which will top the agenda is water charges and the disgraceful behaviour of Irish Water since its conception.”

“The wasteful spending of €85 million of taxpayer’s money on consultancy fees by Irish Water is an unforgivable act.  To make matters worse, the company has issued increasingly threatening veiled messages indicating that while it is illegal to cut off a home’s water supply, restrictors may be put in place to reduce the water coming into households who cannot pay this tax.”

“Irish water claims that homes will have to pay an annual bill of €250 to €300 for their water supply as the current cost of providing water to a house is €500.  This figure is misleading however as it does not take into account the 58% of treated water which is currently being lost through leaks in our antiquated mains supply network.”

“Sinn Féin believes it makes more sense to spend the €200 million taken out of our budget and the other €600 million from motor tax revenue earmarked for Irish Water to fix these leaks.  Anyone who truly believes in water conservation will surely be of the same view.”