Hotel’s annual water charge soars 300%

A CORK hotel which paid €9,000 water charges in 2002 is facing an astronomical bill of €28,000 for last year.

Similarly, a hairdressers which forked out €355 in 2005 is facing a 305% increase to €1,440, while a city-centre publican saw his water charges soar over the same period from €14,768 to €24,000.

These claims come from a study by Cork Business Association (CBA) among some of its 240-plus members, who have warned the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Deirdre Clune, and Cork City Council officials that the hikes are putting serious pressure on small businesses.