Government Must End Water Charges

Speaking in response to the large demonstrations against the gGovernment’s plans to introduce water charges Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has called on Fine Gael and Labour to listen to  the very simple message coming from people and scrap the charge

Deputy Crowe, who attended the large demonstration in Tallaght said:

“As a Dublin South West representative I was heartened to see such a large turnout at rallies in Tallaght and Greenhillls and right across Dublin, last Saturday.  I would like to commend local organisers and all those who took to the streets to have their voice heard on this important issue, in a peaceful and dignified manner.

“It was very clear from the mood of the communities and families who protested, some for the very first time on a protest, that there is a huge level of public anger and determination to defeat these unwanted water charges.

“The Government parties have shown once again that they are out of touch with ordinary people right across this state, people who are angry, who are frustrated, who are frightened and who are, frankly, sick to the back teeth of the double speak and incompetence of those who were elected to do things differently..

“The establishment of Irish Water has been an unmitigated disaster from the very start, as the fledgling body has lurched from one fiasco to another. There is also  very real fear that our water supply could be privatised. This week Sinn Féin is tabling a Constitutional Amendment Bill that I have signed, to call for a referendum to ensure that our water supply remains in public ownership.

“Sinn Féin has been consistent, campaigning long and hard against the introduction of the water charges since the moment they were first proposed by Fianna Fáil. We have shown that they are an unnecessary double tax and outlined fairer and more progressive ways of raising the revenue required.

“This Government was given a strong message on Saturday by tens of thousands of people across towns and villages in every county – that people do not  and will not accept the water charges. That message could not have been louder nor could it have been clearer.

“Yet Enda Kenny made it very clear from his remarks on Saturday evening that he has not heard that message, that he once again refuses to listen to citizens right across the country. Since then we have heard of some proposed cosmetic stop gap changes which will fail to address the very real concerns of people many who cannot afford this new charge.

“I am urging the Government parties to listen to the people on this issue, abolish the water new water double tax and agree to the Constitutional Amendment Bill that will prevent Irish water going into private ownership.”