Can we have another free allowance please Sir?

Irish Water are currently posting out the application forms to each household. In the application form there are a number of payment methods from which householders can choose to pay their bills.

One of the options is that people can choose to pay by is direct debit. Other large utility firms such as gas and electricity providers have quite wisely (in their own interests as well of their customers it must be said) offer an inducement to their customers by way of a discount on their bills if they opt to pay by direct debit.

Plainly, if bills are discharges on the 'button' when due, then those companies are saving a fortune each year by not having to pursue late payers for monies due.

However I note that Irish Water have for some reason chosen not to 'encourage' their customers to use the direct debit route.

I comment  'tongue-in-cheek' here when I suggest that perhaps instead of offering a cash discount that perhaps Irish Water might instead consider offering a meaningful 'extra' yearly free water allowance to those opting to pay by direct debit and other such direct regular payments of their bills?

Its the proverbial 'win-win' suggestion. Both the company and most importantly the customer(s) gain from such an 'arrangement'.

How about it Irish Water?

And please, Irish Water "don't throw cold water" on my innovative not to say sensible common sense suggestion.

Kevin McCarthy

High Meadows,

Gouldavoher,

Limerick