Hogan hints at possible water charge delay

Water charges could be delayed if the Government cuts a new deal with the troika to give tax-burdened families “respite,” Environment Minister Phil Hogan has indicated.

In comments the opposition branded “confused buck-passing”, Mr Hogan insisted the controversial charges would be imposed as planned from January next year — but could be delayed if Finance Minister Michael Noonan managed to get a new agreement with the IMF/EU/ECB on the matter.

The planned Jan 1 launch date will see householders hit with water charges on the same day they receive their first full-year property tax demand.

Pressed on whether he would like to see water fees delayed, the environment minister said: “I’d say there are very few ministers, or politicians, in this country, who wouldn’t like to see some respite for people that are going through a difficult time, but I am operating on the basis, and Irish Water is operating — until we hear otherwise — Jan 1, 2014.”

Mr Hogan indicated that there could be wriggle room on the implementation timetable.

“That is a matter for the minister of finance and the minister of public expenditure who deal with the troika on a quarterly basis and discuss those issues,” he told RTÉ.

Asked if he would like the introduction pushed back, Mr Hogan said: “It’s not what I like, it is what the minister for finance and the minister for public expenditure and the troika subsequently agree.”

Fianna Fáil’s finance spokesperson Michael McGrath branded the remarks confusing, insisting that the introduction of charges in January could “drive families over the cliff”.

“Mr Hogan is clearly passing the buck to the finance minister. If he believes more time is needed to bring this in he should lead from the front.

“The reality is we are likely to see families hit with water charging, and the demands for the first full year of the property tax on the same day — Jan 1 next year — and that is too much of a burden,” Mr McGrath said.

Mr Hogan said the amount people will be forced to pay for water will finally be announced in the next three months.

The minister cited the current problems with water supply in Dublin as evidence of why a radical overhaul of the national system was needed.

Mr Hogan also welcomed stringent new building regulations introduced by his department.

Buildings will be inspected at key stages during construction by assigned certifiers under the initiative.

The minister said such measures would help prevent the completion of badly constructed buildings, pyrite damage and structures breaking fire regulations.

“This is all about restoring consumer confidence in construction as an industry,” Mr Hogan said.

The environment minister also ruled out householders on ghost estates appealing against decisions to find them liable for the property tax.