Water refunds due by end of the year

Homeowners who paid water charges will receive refunds of between €100 and €160 before the end of the year, once the Cabinet approves the move today.

The news comes as middle- and low-income families will see tax reductions in the budget, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed to his Fine Gael ministerial colleagues.

In a move which is set to cost €300m, ministers will approve the scheme which will see refunds paid to most households by cheque by Christmas, senior government sources confirmed last night.