Anger at ‘back door’ to water charges

The Government has been severely criticised after it left the door open for a return of water charges in legislation it published yesterday.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy published the Water Services Bill, which will pave the way for water charge refunds to be paid before the end of the year for a majority of homes.

Householders who live alone and who paid their five bills will be entitled to €200, while those who live in a household of more than one person will be entitled to €325.