Non-payers will receive €100 water allowance

A welfare payment to help disadvantaged households to meet the cost of water bills will be paid out regardless of whether or not they are compliant with the charge.

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has confirmed the €100 water support payment will be made to 650,000 people in receipt of the fuel allowance or household benefits package irrespective of whether they are required to, or agree to, pay their bills.

She was responding to a written parliamentary question from Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy, who asked if customers who do not complete the Irish Water application package are eligible to receive the additional welfare payment.