Clash over level of water discounts

A government department and two state bodies promoting investment have clashed with the energy regulator and Irish Water over the level of discounts to be offered to large firms for water which is unfit for human consumption.

The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, in a joint submission with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, has criticised the Commission for Energy Regulation and Irish Water over the low discount rates for large businesses which are supplied with contaminated water.

The three bodies complain there is no precedent in any other country for the 5% discount being proposed by Irish Water.