Government accused of using 'Trojan horse' to enforce water payments

Friday, June 26, 2015 - 08:47 AM

Members of the opposition are accusing the Government of using a "Trojan horse" to bring in draconian measures to enforce payment of water charges.

The measures are contained as amendments to the Government's Environment Miscellaneous Provisions Bill.

The document places an obligation on householders to pay their water bills before selling the property.

It also places an obligation on landlords to pass tenants' details to Irish Water, as reported in today's .

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure Sean Fleming said the amendments also contained penalties for non-payment of the fee.

"They can take it out of your wages or your social welfare or even prevent you ever selling your house unless you produce a receipt to show you have paid your water charges," he said.

The new measures to persuade people to pay their water bills under the legislation will include:

* Obligations on property owners to provide information to Irish Water on occupiers of a property;

* All new tenancy agreements for occupiers must include a commitment to pay water charges;

* Owners of properties must pay charges owed before the sale of a property can proceed;

* Owners must register with a new database or they will be denied water ‘conservation’ grants;

* Housing bodies will have to ensure bills are paid.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly said: “Nobody will have their water supply cut off or pressure reduced, so other measures are required to ensure compliance with water charges.”