Two state groups to fix water allowance

The exact allowance cut-off point for water charges when they potentially kick in next year is set to be decided by two more independent State groups, effectively pushing political fallout further from Government TDs.

An independent group will recommend the move in a report published tomorrow, in addition to a referendum to ensure the public ownership of water services, and “equity” for rural households on pre-charges water schemes.

The Government earlier this year set up the independent commission on water charges to examine whether charges should return or be scrapped entirely. The review will be published tomorrow before being sent to a new 20-person cross-party Oireachtas committee which will be given until March to examine the plans, which will then face Dáil and Seanad votes.