Water package could hike others’ bills

A €40m Coalition water pricing deal intended to ease the burden on vulnerable groups could pump-up charges for other households.

As a special Cabinet meeting was mooted in order to finalise a compromise over the simmering Coalition conflict, both sides were pushing to piece together a last-minute agreement.

A bid to extend existing welfare packages to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and carers to help them with water charges was being discussed, but it is understood Social Protection Minister Joan Burton is insisting extra funds must be provided to her department to cover the cost so it does not hit existing commitments.