Cabinet to approve water bill refund laws

Legislation to refund over €170m in water bills is expected be approved by Cabinet this week before a later Dáil vote which will see monies returned to homeowners in the coming months.

Fianna Fáil has signalled there “should be no controversy” over government proposals to refund bills — as agreed by a cross-party Oireachtas committee earlier this year.

Most homeowners who paid bills — some amounting to over €300 — will get a cheque by the end of this year. Up to €172m will cover payments while another €5m will pay for the scheme.