Dreaded water charges could be back by spring

WATER charges could be back as early as next spring unless the Government makes a decision on the issue.
Hard-pressed Dublin households – most of whom reaped a net weekly gain of just €5 from the Budget – could see bills reintroduced by March 2017.
Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar issued the stark warning yesterday as questions were raised over the lack of provision in the Budget to cover the scrapped fees.
Massive public pressure forced the Government to suspend charges earlier this year – and an expert Commission was set up to decide on the best way to pay for water.
But Minister Varadkar said: “Water charges have been suspended and that suspension ends next spring, and in the absence of any policy change, or decision by the Dail otherwise, water charges come back.”
A poll earlier this month revealed almost two-thirds of voters in Dublin want the complete removal of charges. A series of marches opposing the charge are set to take place across the capital this weekend.