McCreevy backs plans for €200-a-year water charges

FINANCE Minister Charlie McCreevy yesterday backed proposals to introduce a €200-a-year water charge on households.

Standing by the Department of Finance’s demand for metered water charges, the Minister said he was in favour of the move that could raise up to €200 million for local authorities.

The principle of user charges had to be established, Mr McCreevy said, pointing to service areas such as motor tax and electricity and phone charges.