Plans to install water meters another political fiasco – Crowe

Dublin South West Sinn Fein representative Seán Crowe TD, has said that the government’s plans to install water meters has become “another political fiasco.”

Responding to today’s reports that only about one third of households are unable to be installed with water meters,

Deputy Crowe said “This latest revelation has sunk the argument that water metering and water charges is about conservation. It has nothing to with conservation and everything to do with charging people for water they already pay for through their taxes.

“The government has been spinning yarns about water charges. They are saying metering leads to less consumption and that this why they are introducing this latest tax

“Of course they are spoofing as usual.

“Water consumption in England is higher  than in Dublin about 10 litres per household.This is despite England having had water meters for 25 years.

“Sinn Féin fully understands the need to conserve water. In our submission to the Dáil’s environment committee we outlined steps that would achieve water conservation. The introduction of dual flushing would reduce consumption by 20 litres a day per household, while upgrading our aging water system would reduce leaks from 40% to 20%.

“The government must withdraw their flawed plans to impose water meters and water charges before another political disaster unfolds. People will not tolerate water charges. Just like septic tank charges and household charges they will be resisted by the public.

“Minister Hogan must be challenged on his latest myth.This is about a new tax and nothing to with saving water or  creating new jobs.”