Govt 'not availing of water charges exemption from EU'

MEP for Munster Kathy Sinnott has demanded the Government explain why it is not availing of an exemption from water charges in the Water Framework Directive from the EU, and is instead charging schools, hospitals and farms for water use.

Article 9 (4) of the Water Framework Directive provides for an exemption from the EU requirement to recover the full cost of water treatment. This exemption is attainable at the discretion of the Minister for Environment, John Gormley.