Total cost of water would be €1.2bn if State was ‘sole customer’ of Irish Water

The cost to the State of funding Irish Water as its ‘sole customer’ would amount to some €1.2bn this year, a committee examining the future of water services heard.

The Department of Environment confirmed the amount which would have to be provided if there are no charges imposed, and if the company’s costs and services are all supplemented by the State.

Maria Graham, a department assistant secretary, confirmed the figure to Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy, who asked what the bill would be if the State is the only customer.