Fine Gael wants graded fines for water wasting and leaks

Households leaking or wasting more water than others will face higher penalties under proposals by Fine Gael, which the party insists are needed to comply with EU laws.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney has now openly signalled that the Government wants a graduated fines system, after Fine Gael members on an Oireachtas Committee this week mooted the idea.

The committee will next week receive final legal advice before its members are due to sign off on recommendations which, at present, will end water charges and any new domestic metering.