Farms may seek water charge waivers

FARMING families who cannot meet the cost of large water bills as a result of financial hardship should contact their local authority with a view to securing a waiver, Labour spokesperson on Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock has advised.

Mr Sherlock said he is aware of several farm holdings that have been billed exorbitant amounts for water usage as a result of new pricing arrangements. Farmers are paying for water they have not used because of a high percentage of leakage nationally.

Mr Sherlock said Environment Minister John Gormley had informed him the local authority may be approached directly to seek a waiver of the charges on personal hardship grounds.