Irish Examiner view: Water charges a problem that will not wash away

The Taoiseach said 'there will be no return to water charges', but one way or another, the bill for better infrastructure will have to be paid

'The performance of Uisce Éireann, the organisation responsible for water services, has been shambolic. Polluted rivers, hidden compensation schemes, and controversial bonus payments have all tarnished the organisation’s image.' File picture: Nick Ansell/PA 

It is just over 10 years since protests against the imposition of water charges swept the country, and the intervening decade has done nothing to soften Irish attitudes to paying for water.

A statement yesterday from the Department of Housing asserted that housing minister James Browne was aware of work which had been done to introduce regulations on excessive water use, but that that work was done as part of the previous programme for government.