Deputy Seamus Healy has called on the government to abolish water charges

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Irish Water Logo
Irish Water company logo.

Deputy Seamus Healy has called on the government to abolish water charges, saying that the low level of payment of the charges so far indicates a rejection of the water charge policy.

According to official figures released by Irish Water today, less than half of all water charge payments have been made to date.

The utility company has received €30.5 million since the first bills started going out.  That represents 46% of the €66.8 million that was due to Irish Water.

Responding to the figures, the head of communications with Irish Water, Elizabeth Arnett, said that the rate of payment is largely in line with would be expected for a fledgling utility company.  She added that it represents a solid start, and pointed out that no reminders have been sent out to customers who are yet to pay their bills.

Also reacting to the news, TD Mattie McGrath has called for the Environment Minister to step down, saying this is another example of poor political stewardship on his part.

Mr. Kelly meanwhile, welcomed the figures, saying that the €30 million collected can be turned into multiples of that figure by borrowing on it.  That money, he said would go towards the further upgrading of the water system.