THOUSANDS of Donegal families will face ‘water poverty’ when new charges come in, a councillor has warned.
Sinn Fein submitted several amendments in the Dail including amendments to delay introduction of water charges subject to a poverty impact analysis.
The Buncrana Town Councillor said: “The government is totally out of touch if they think that ordinary citizens can afford to pay such charges.
“Most householders simply cannot afford a further utility bill. This is a further imposition on low and middle income earners, following on from the household charge, increases in VAT, the USC and the health levy, all the while the wealthiest in society are not being asked to pay their way.”
He claimed Fianna Fail actually missed a deadline to submit amendments to the legislation.
“There are currently large numbers of families who live with fuel poverty and energy poverty and if water charges aren’t stopped many will soon be water poor as well.
“This will take its toll on people’s welfare and health.”
The councillor said water metering does not reduce water consumption.
“In England, where water metering has been in place for many years,consumption is at 158 litres per head per day, while in Dublin the Dublin Water Supply Report of 2008 showed consumption is at 148 litres per head per day,” he said.
“It is not necessary to bring in water charges,as we can see in the north,where there are no such charges.”
McLaughlin added: “While Fianna Fail has expressed its opposition to the provisions of the bill,the reality is they signed up to water charges in the 2010 programme for National Recovery.
“These parties are wedded to the politics of privatisation,and of indirect,flat rate taxes. Sinn Fein is totally opposed to water charges,and will be opposing the introduction of such charges.”