Taoiseach Must Pause Plans to Increase Water Charges – IFA
IFA President Francie Gorman has sent a letter to the Taoiseach expressing his view that a pause needs to be put in place with regard to plans for an increase in water charges on October 1st.
“In light of the comments made by An Taoiseach at the Ploughing last week that he intends to use the Apple tax rebate to invest in water infrastructure, the proposed increase to water charges should be paused,” said Mr. Gorman.
The Irish Farmers’ Association have highlighted the inequitable nature of the planned increases which will nearly double standing charges for water.
“Given the difficult economic situation on farms, with income down 34% in 2024. Increasing water charges at this time will exacerbate an already difficult cash flow situation on farms.”
The IFA President also outlined the impact that these increases will have on already vulnerable members of the farming sector who already operate on fragmented holdings with low water usage rates.
“These planned increases come at a time when farmers are being asked to co-operate with a major infrastructural project to pipe water from the River Shannon to Dublin. This water will be provided free of charge, while water charges to farmers are going to be increased.”
Finally he reiterated the unjustness of the situation and pleaded with the Taoiseach Simon Harris to enforce a pause on planned water charge increases.
