Water Charges Must Be Maintained

Chambers Ireland today (02 March 2016) warned that removing water charges would lead to underinvestment in one of our most important resources and put further pressure on the national finances through an unacceptable narrowing of the tax base.

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said, “If we want clean and safe water for our households, a secure supply for our businesses, and to meet our environmental obligations, we need to invest significantly in our water infrastructure. There is no way around this. Ireland needs a single national utility to plan, invest in and manage our water infrastructure, and we need a fair system of water charges to ensure that this utility is adequately funded.”

“It is very disappointing that attempts to gain political advantage prior to the formation of a new government have led to such a vital resource being treated as a political football. Ireland’s water infrastructure needs ongoing investment to ensure it can meet the needs of citizens and businesses and equitable user charges must form a part of that investment.”-Ends- For further information contact Susan McDermott, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4331, 086 6081605 or email susan.mcdermott@www.chambers.ie.  Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally