Not a single water meter installed in city
Not a single household water meter has been installed in Galway City, as the charges controversy continues.
Irish Water confirmed to the Galway City Tribune that its planned “metering programme has not yet commenced in the Galway City area”. It did not say when metering installation would commence in the city.
The revelation comes as anti-water charge groups attempt to drum up support for more city protests. At the same time, Government representatives locally are hailing the new charging structures announced midweek.
The new utility, which has been submerged in controversy since its inception, did not say when metering would commence in the city.
A key reason for the new water charges is supposed to be water conservation, and meters are supposed to help homeowners reduce consumption.
Irish Water said it has installed half a million meters nationally, which is “significantly ahead” of schedule – but not one in the city. It said that the first phase of its metering programme is due to be completed by the end of 2016 but it did not elaborate whether Galway City was included in that plan.
The company said it will notify city residents in advance of when it starts metering. “Householders will be notified at least two weeks before the installation and will receive an information pack explaining our work, and what to expect when we install your water meter. At least two days before the installation we will notify householders of the date when the water meter will be fitted,” Irish Water said.
The official rate of ‘unaccounted for water’ in the city has been confirmed as 44.8%, which means that percentage of water produced is ‘lost to the system’ or goes missing, every day.
Independent City Councillor Catherine Connolly has pointed out that Irish Water bills will arrive to city homeowners on April 1, 2015 - April Fools’ Day.
Galway West Labour TD Derek Nolan said even after paying for water charges, householders will still be “better off” next year due to other tax measures introduced in the budget.
Deputy Nolan said: “We know now that the net amount of water charges that households will pay will be less than the savings workers will make due to income tax, USC and child benefit changes.
“For example, a couple with two children and one income of €35,000 per annum will save a total of €312 over the course of the year. Taking the water charge of €160 from this figure, this family are still left with €152 extra in their pocket. Furthermore, a couple with two children and one income of €45,000 per annum will save a total of €520 over the course of the year.
“Taking the water charge of €160 from this figure, this family are still left with €360 extra in their pocket. From January, the changes in income tax and the USC will have a small but meaningful impact on people’s pay and put a little money back in their pockets.”
But Sinn Féin has poured cold water on the new flat charges with City Councillor Mairéad Farrell describing them as a ‘confidence trick’.
Cllr Farrell added: “The people want the water charges scrapped. The truth is this flat rate is only a temporary con-job measure and then the installed water meters will come into play and the cost of water will spiral.”
She has urged all her council colleagues to sign the petition published by the Right2Water campaign calling on the government to “abolish water charges and respect our human right to water”.