Dáil formally brings end to water charges regime

The Dáil has formally brought an end to the water charges regime.

A Dáil vote this afternoon accepted the report by the Committee on the Future of Water Services by 96 votes to 48.

Refunds will be issued to those who have already paid, only those who excessively use water will be charged, and a referendum to prevent Irish Water being privatised will be held.

Carlow Fine Gael TD Pat Deering says this is in no way a blow for him and his party – who were originally adamant that all households pay for whatever water they use.

Speaking to KCLR News this evening, Deputy Deering says, despite personally feeling there should be more charges, this is not a defeat.