End to water charges top of agenda for New Dáil says Crowe

Sinn Féin’s Seán Crowe has said his party will move to reintroduce legislation with other progressive parties and individuals for the abolition of water charges when the Dáil is resumed in a couple of weeks. Crowe was speaking following a huge rally in Dublin’s O’Connell Street organised by the Right2Water/Right2Change campaign.

Deputy Seán Crowe said;

“Sinn Féin has a plan for a fair recovery that will ease the burden on the average family: our first priority in government will be to legislate with other progressive parties and individuals for the abolition of water charges.  Our legislation has already been published and is ready to go.

“We have been to the fore in the campaign against water charges across this island on a local, national and European level since 2003. In Government in the North of Ireland , we effectively abolished Water Charges and in the next Dáil, we intend to do the same.

“We want to see the leaking water pipes repaired and a direct investment in infrastructure and roll out of clean water right across the State.

“Our priorities would include the establishment of an Independent Commission on Water Services to examine the most appropriate public ownership model and report back to Government within nine months.

“Next Friday, gives us all an opportunity to choose a different type of government that puts the rights of the people above the desires of the well off and the well-connected.

“Including 50 Sinn Féin candidates, the 101 Right2Change candidates share common progressive principles. Our priority will be to eliminate this double tax and introduce the legislation for its demise.

“The others have had their chance to deliver a fair an inclusive society. They have failed and it is now time for change.“