Water costs at some schools have trebled

PAYMENTS for water charges have trebled in some schools following the Government’s introduction of a flat rate charge aimed at reducing bills for cash-strapped schools.

In Fingal, where water charges were based on a flat rate fee of €300 in 2007, a school of 477 pupils will now have to pay €1,725 based on the Government’s new charges of €3 per pupil for last year.

The next two bills will total €1,669.50 and €1,908, thereby creating an unexpected cash windfall for local authorities.