ICMSA and ICSA seek low water charges, low diesel tax

A commitment to low water charges for farmers and other non-domestic users, plus a freezing of taxes on diesel are among the budget priorities cited by farmer groups ICMSA and ICSA.

In an extensive document with many of the same funding priorities as the IFA, the ICMSA also wants a tariff harmonisation programme to keep water costs low for all non-domestic users.

It says any new billing model must retain the 225,000 litre domestic allowance as a minimum, with no extra costs imposed on farmers.