Siptu backs mass rally against water charges

The largest trade union in the country has backed next week’s mass rally against water charges as protesters vow to bring the capital to a standstill with their opposition to the levy.

SIPTU said yesterday it had taken the decision to officially back the campaign against charges after the Government had failed to answer its calls for only non-essential water usage to be taxed.

The decision came as TDs finished a two-day debate in the Dáil on the Coalition’s revised charging regime which will see families pay a maximum of €160 a year or €3 a week until 2019.