Minister claims that less than half paying water bills 'not a disaster'

A Government Minister said the low rate of payment for Irish Water is not a "disaster".

The utility company has confirmed that less than half of the country's households have paid their first bills over the first three months of the year.

Irish Water collected €30.5m of the €66.8m it had issued in bills, representing 46% of revenue due. However, only 43% of households have paid.

Minister Alan Kelly issued a statement saying a significant income stream has been established and there will be no changes to Irish Water's financial plans in light of the figures.

Opponents of the water charge said the figures show their campaign is a success, but Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe claims it's a "solid start" for Irish Water.

"I don't accept that it's a disaster," said Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe. "It's a solid start by Irish Water.

"There is, clearly, a lot more to be done in terms of getting more people to register and driving compliance. That's clear - and Irish Water will be outlining their plans [on that]."

Irish Water spokesperson Elizabeth Arnett echoed the Minister's comments, also saying that the figures represent a "solid start" - because no reminders or sanctions have been issued to those who have not paid.

"When you set up a new utility … when you're starting to send out new bills for the first time, there is a lag phase … that's a normal utility experience," she said.

"And so you manage your business in the context and in light of that, and that is precisely what we have done here."

Yesterday, Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy said this was a huge victory for the anti-water charges movement.

We are the 57%. #wewontpay

— Paul Murphy 🇵🇸 (@paulmurphy_TD) July 14, 2015

He said: "The figures are an unmitigated disaster for Irish Water. They represent an important victory for those of us who campaigned for a boycott of the water charges.

So @IrishWater is claiming they never expected a majority of people to pay. Sure #wewontpay

— Paul Murphy 🇵🇸 (@paulmurphy_TD) July 15, 2015

"They indicate that the water charges have no democratic credibility or legitimacy, that the majority of people are not just opposed but are refusing to pay and they put massive pressure on the government to abolish the water charges and abolish Irish Water.