Irish Water may need €3.5bn more in taxes

Taxpayers could be stung for up to €3.5bn to further fund Irish Water, the chairman of the Dáil’s spending watchdog has warned.

Public Accounts Committee head John McGuinness said a triple funding stream would be flowing into the utility — from general taxation, some €300m a year from motor tax, and the actual direct water charges themselves.

Mr McGuinness branded the funding details of Irish Water “a financial mystery tour” as officials from the environment department gave evidence to the committee.