Ervia chief: €73m spent on experts, not consultants

The head of Irish Water’s parent firm has denied claims the company wasted up to €73m worth of taxpayers’ money on outside consultants, saying those paid were “experts” who have proven their worth.

Ervia chief executive Michael McNicholas also said Irish Water is costing the taxpayer less than when local authorities were running the water system.

Speaking to TDs and senators during an Oireachtas water committee meeting which also heard Irish Water is set to lose €239m this year because of the freeze on charges, Mr McNicholas said the spend was “necessary” because the company was being set up from nothing.