‘Excessive usage’ water charges for up to 50% of homes

Between a third and half of people could still face “excessive usage” water charges under reforms recommended to Government.

A senior Irish Water official admitted the situation during a meeting of the Oireachtas water committee yesterday, undermining suggestions the proposed new system will effectively remove the controversial fees.

Last November, the independent expert commission on the future of water charges concluded the fees should not return for the vast majority of people, although an unspecified number of households would still face yet-to-be-confirmed costs.