No plans to impose water charges; Minister James Browne

By Dan Walsh
Minister James Browne stated that the Government cannot impose water charges without further legislation, in response to questions from two Wexford deputies during today’s (Tuesday) debate on the Water Services (Repeal of Water Charges) Bill 2025 in Dáil Éireann.

Deputy Johnny Mythen of Sinn Féin stated that recent reports suggest the Government is considering introducing water charges. Although the Government has denied this, it has been reported that discussions about water charges have been ongoing within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael since 2009.

“The charges were utterly rejected by the Irish people. When Right2Water organised there were 100 massive demonstrations throughout the country in 2014,” said Deputy Mythen, who added; “We know the plans for water charges are now taking a different strategic approach and are being filtered through a piecemeal incremental package, such as the option of the introduction of a charge for the excess use of water. This would eventually lead to the introduction of a charge by volume which, in turn, would entice private companies to compete with Uisce Éireann and possibly take over our water resources altogether.

“Water is a human right and must always be protected. We have seen what the privatisation of water means and the consequences that follow,” concluded Deputy Mythen.

Deputy Fionntán Ó Súileabháin (Sinn Féin) told the Dáil; “Uisce Éireann has failed miserably in so many villages in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow. Recently in Aughrim and previously in Camolin, I met builders who are ready to build desperately needed housing but Irish Water’s failure to invest in wastewater treatment plants in both villages means they cannot proceed.

“Householders and small businesses, whether in Bunclody, Gorey, Arklow, Rathdrum or other areas, are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. A water tax would represent the last straw,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.

“People power on the streets of counties Wexford and Wicklow and elsewhere defeated water charges in 2015. I have no doubt it will do so again in 2025 if necessary. The Water Services Act 2017 is still on the Statute Book. The Government and the Minister have said there are no plans to enact these extra taxes. If so, they have nothing to fear from backing our legislation so we can draw a line under this and put an end to this long-running saga once and for all.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne said; “The Government opposes this Bill. I highlight the fact that the previous programme for Government included a commitment to introduce water conservation charges. Despite the commitment in that programme, Sinn Féin did not table any legislation to prohibit water conservation charges. Water conservation charges do not form part of the new programme for Government, yet we now see Sinn Féin tabling this legislation, wasting time and inventing a phantom to fight against rather than engaging in good faith.

“It is important to remember that the legislation to implement water charges was contained in the Water Services Act 2014 and this legislation was repealed by the Water Services Act 2017. There is therefore no statutory basis for the introduction of water charges. The Government simply has no power to do it. No legislation exists that allows us to do it,” said Minister Browne, who added; “Uisce Éireann will be investing €250 million every year up to the end of 2030, fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

Minister Browne said; “When the previous Government proposed doing it, Sinn Féin did not bring forward any legislation because it was not on the front page of the national newspapers. Here, we have an opportunity for a little media attention, which is why Sinn Féin has jumped on it, even though it is the clear intention of this Government not to do so. The Government has no legal power to bring in water charges without additional legislation.

“It is extremely frustrating that we are dealing here with a distortion of the truth and a misdirection from Sinn Féin. That is really disappointing and unfortunate,” concluded Minister Browne.