Q&A: What happens next with water charges?

Juno McEnroe looks at how the latest water charge developments will affect the public.

What has happened now with water charges?

An Oireachtas Committee has recommended the old water charging should be scrapped. Instead, homeowners will get new levies for what is deemed ‘excessive’ usage. Normal usage will be paid through general taxation. Metering will continue for new builds and refurbishments and the 20-member committee has proposed wording for a referendum to keep water in public ownership.