Farming special - Day 3: Rural Ireland largely willing to pay water charge

Two thirds of farmers say they will pay their water charges, with older people most determined to pay the charge.

Despite the ongoing controversy over the charges and regular protests among residents attempting to block the installation of water meters, rural Ireland largely seems to be willing to pay the fee.

The Irish Examiner/ICMSA survey on attitudes among the farming community found 61% of farmers intend to pay their water charges. Just one in 10 said they would refuse to pay the controversial charge.