Irish Water: Levy cuts may be too little, too late

It is abundantly clear that the extent of the water charges backlash has caused the Government to panic to such an extent that it was prepared to offer almost anything to the electorate to quell the protests and let it get on with business.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly did just that in the Dáil yesterday, announcing a package of sweeteners that he and his Cabinet colleagues hope will get them out of trouble. The measures had already been leaked by Government sources to take the political temperature.

Households that register will get a 100 Water Conservation Grant each year, which will see charges capped for a single adult household at 60 and for others at 160.