OECD says Ireland needs to bring in water charges

Ireland should reconsider introducing water charges to meet its environmental targets, according to a major new report.

The OECD says despite considerable investment, Ireland still suffers from high water losses, low drinking water quality and inadequate wastewater treatment.

Ireland’s currently the only OECD country not to have water charges.

The review says the move to charge certain households for excess use from next year won’t be enough to cover future investment needs.