CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANGRY AT PROPOSED HIKE IN WATER CHARGES

Date Published: 29-Jun-2010

The CEO of Galway Chamber of Commerce says any increase in water charges will "cripple" small businesses and result in job losses.

Michael Coyle was speaking as the county council considers the possibility of a hike in the charges.

Councillors were asked to consider increasing the charge from 2.17 per cubic metre to 7.67 to fund the Water Services Investment Programme.

This week's council meeting heard that other means to raise funds - such as development levies - were no longer viable.

Michael Coyle says any increase will have a devastating effect on Galway businesses.